Homeless Man Able to Stand Trial for Alleged Sex Crime, Wants Different Lawyer for Murder-for-Hire Case

A doctor has ruled that a homeless man with ties to Peru and LaMoille is fit to stand trial for an alleged sex crime.

Cody Smith appeared before a judge Friday to face charges that he plotted to have 3 witnesses to a sexual assault he allegedly committed killed. During the proceedings, a doctor’s evaluation was presented to the court that said Smith was fit to be tried for his alleged sexual assault of a child.

As for the three counts of murder-for-hire, Smith’s attorney, Joe Navarro, told the judge Smith wanted to delay his arraignment by two weeks. This was so that Smith could look for separate representation on the murder-for-hire charges.

If convicted, Smith is looking at possibly more than 100 years in prison which would have to be served because the nature of the crimes does not allow time off for good behavior.

Michigan Man Accused of Attacking Elderly Man Takes Plea Deal, Sentenced to 18 Months

A man who allegedly attacked a 70-year old man outside John’s Place reached an agreement with prosecutors Friday.

Thirty-four-year-old Roberto Medina of Grand Rapids, Michigan pled guilty to obstructing justice in the investigation surrounding the attack which took place last December. Medina was accused of hitting an elderly man using gloves which had metal inserts in them. Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei said at the time he believed robbery to be the motive.

As part of his plea deal, Medina will have the other charges against him dropped. He had also been charged with felony aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon. All Medina pled guilty to was giving a fake name and birthday to Peru Police.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but also given credit for the five months he had already served.

Gas prices continue upward trend

Chances are the price at the pump has gone up since you last filled up.

The price at the pump in La Salle, Peru and Streator has gone up by over 20 cents a gallon since last Friday. According to GasBuddy.com, the cheapest gas in the Illinois Valley is in Princeton at $2.15 a gallon. Most stations are charging $2.23 to $2.29 a gallon.

The average price of gas statewide is $2.40 a gallon, 43 cents cheaper than a year ago.