Five Indiana Men Sentenced in Tinley Park Attack

 Posted on January 21, 2013 in Felony

Brothers Dylan, Cody and Jason Sutherlin along with two other members of the Hoosier Anti-Racist Movementdecided to drivetogether to Tinley Park to confront a group of alleged white supremacists. The brothers along with Alex Struck and John S. Tucker wanted to go to a local restaurant to peacefully protect the meeting yet the scene erupted in violence. Surveillance footage showed at least 18 men enter the Ashford House brandishing weapons and wearing masks. After the attack, these five men were arrested as part of the mob in the May 19^th melee.

Altogether, each of the men were charged with 37 separate felony counts including aggravated battery, property damage and mob action. The prosecution was pushing for maximum sentencing on the most serious charge of armed violence. All five decided to enter guilty pleas to reduce the counts from 37 down to 3.

“We were ready to go to trial,” said Brian Barrido, the pro-bono lawyer for Dylan Sutherlin. “I was very surprised when they said they wanted to take the plea … but I think they did the math, and if the trial didn’t start for a year or six months, they might be out just as soon.” Jason Sutherlin was sentenced to 6 years, Dylan and Cody received 5 years each, while Stuck and Tucker received 3-1/2 years.

It is typical for those accused of battery charges to seek plea deals in order to reduce their sentences or other alternatives which don’t involve criminal convictions. The sentencing can be reduced to court supervision, paying fines, community service or counseling. Whether you want to plead guilty to a crime or go to court, you shouldn’t have to do it by yourself. Contact an effective criminal defense attorney in Arlington Heights who can work for the result you want.