Adams County grand jury to hear Yohn, Blackledge cases next week

QUINCY — An Adams County grand jury will review the cases of a man and a woman who face home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated criminal sexual assault and residential burglary charges.

Bradley S. Yohn, 34, of Springfield, Ill., appeared in court first before Judge Tad Brenner on Monday morning in Adams County Circuit Court. Karen Blackledge, 33, of Quincy, made her appearance afterward.

Assistant state’s attorney Laura Keck asked that Yohn’s case be heard by a grand jury on Nov. 30 and that Blackledge’s case do the same on Dec. 1.  Public defender John Citro, representing Yohn, and public defender Chris Pratt, representing Blackledge, both objected, saying their clients were ready for pretrial.

Brenner chose to have the grand jury hear the cases.

He also ordered both defendants undergo DNA testing. When he heard about the testing, Yohn said, “Yes, sir. I’m ready for it, your honor.” Blackledge did not reply.

Yohn and Blackledge were arrested Nov. 10 by the United States Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Unit in Springfield, Ill. Yohn’s bond is $15 million. Blackledge’s bond remains unchanged at $5 million.