By Kim McDarison
A Whitewater man has been charged with one felony count of armed robbery with a threat of force and five misdemeanor counts, ranging from resisting arrest to possession of cocaine, according to information released through the Wisconsin Circuit Count Access website.
Willie Hearn III, who was taken into custody Friday, appeared the same day by video conference before Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Johnson for a bail/bond hearing.
Hearn, 68, was arrested by members of the Whitewater Police Department Friday morning for his alleged connection with a robbery at the BP Gas Station 1138 W. Main St., Whitewater.
Representing the state, Walworth County Assistant District Attorney Andrew Hermann also appeared in court Friday.
According to court documents, the court inquired if the victim wished to be heard, further noting that no statement was made.
Hearn was referred to the state public defender’s office and a cash bond of $25,000 was set, with a notation that the bond would be revisited at the next hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:15 p.m.
The court instructed that the defendant will not have any contact or attempt to contact any victims associated with the case and will avoid their residence, place of employment, or any place they are located.
Only the defendant’s attorney may contact the victims on the defendant’s behalf.
The defendant was further prohibited from contacting the victims by mail, telephone, electronic device or through a third party.
A location from which the defendant is prohibited is listed in the document as “Raceway Foodway” in Whitewater.
Information online identifies the company at the listed address as Raceway Food Mart. The location is a convenience store and BP gas station.
The defendant was ordered to personally ensure that payments are made under any order for income withholding if the court appoints an attorney for the defendant.
In addition, the website reports that on Monday a cash bond was signed with the court.
Hearn faces the following charges: a felony C count of armed robbery with threat of force, two misdemeanor A counts of resisting or obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor B count of disorderly conduct, and two misdemeanor U counts, including possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
In Wisconsin, a Class C felony is punishable by up to 40 years of confinement, a $100,000 fine or both. A Class A misdemeanor can carry a fine of up to $10,000, up to nine month of confinement or both. A Class B misdemeanor can carry a fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days of confinement. A Class U misdemeanor can carry a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months of confinement.
An earlier story about the BP station robbery in Whitewater is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/whitewater-pd-arrests-suspect-in-connection-with-marathon-gas-station-robbery/.
File photo.
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