Ashton murder defendant appealing bond ruling
DIXON – Lee County Public Defender Bob Thompson filed a motion in Lee County court this week that begins the process of appealing a judge’s denial to reduce Eric Lemons’ $2 million bond.
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Lemons, 28, of Ashton, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Todd Harn, also 28 and of Ashton.
At a hearing June 23, Thompson argued that the bond is excessive and beyond Lemons’ ability to pay it. He noted that Lemons lacks any felony convictions and said he is not a flight risk.
Lee County Circuit Judge Ron Jacobson denied the motion.
A motion for relief was filed in Lee County Court and will be filed with the Illinois Appellate Court when transcripts of the bond hearing are available. The appellate court will review the transcripts and render a decision, Thompson said.
According to Thompson’s motion to the appellate court, Jacobson failed to consider several factors. Among his arguments:
■ There exists genuine doubt to Lemons’ guilt, and the existence of doubt as to his guilt and the probability of his innocence are proper matters for consideration when setting bond.
■ Jacobson failed to properly consider the “likelihood of conviction ... and the weight of the evidence [or lack thereof] ...”
■ Jacobson failed to permit all relevant witnesses to testify at the bond hearing, and instead allowed only Thompson to offer evidence gathered from police reports and interviews with witnesses.
■ Bail that is not reasonable is tantamount to no bail at all.
