State files for continuance in Yohn case as it awaits DNA evidence; pre-trial still set for Friday

QUINCY — A request to continue one of three cases filed against Bradley Yohn was granted Tuesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court.

Assistant State’s Attorney Todd Eyler filed on Jan. 19 a motion for a continuance on the six counts Yohn faces in connection with an incident on Nov. 9 along North Bottom Road in Adams County. Eyler is still waiting for results on DNA evidence.

Yohn was not in the courtroom Tuesday. Officials with the Adams County Courthouse and the Adams County Jail are limiting movement in the building because of the number of COVID-19 positive individuals in the jail.

Public Defender John Citro said he spoke with Yohn about 30 minutes before Tuesday’s status hearing.

“He is still demanding a speedy trial,” Citro said. “Our objection would be any continuance beyond 120 days. This continuance would not take it beyond 120 days. We would ask that this motion to continue is only in (case number) 715. We would ask that if that’s granted that the other two cases be continued along with it.”

In connection with the Nov. 9 incident, Yohn has been charged with two counts of home invasion, and one count each of aggravated kidnapping (allegedly using a knife) and aggravated vehicular hijacking— all Class X felonies punishable for between six to 30 years in prison. He also was charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony punishable for between four and 15 years in prison.

He also was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault for knowingly committing the act of sexual penetration through the use of force — a Class X felony punishable for between 16 and 40 years in prison. 

Judge Amy Lannerd asked Citro if he was prepared to argue the motion for the continuance. He replied that he could do it Tuesday or on Friday, when Yohn is scheduled for his pre-trial hearing.

Eyler noted in his argument that Yohn was entitled to request the speedy trial.

“Then any continuance in the other two cases is going to be on their motion,” Eyler said. “We can try one of those cases. Then it takes care of the speedy trial issue in all of these cases. I just want to be abundantly clear so that we’re all on the same page.”

Lannerd wanted Yohn to be in the courtroom in person to address the motion. 

“My hope would be (that by Friday) that the defendant could be brought down from the jail,” she said. “While I appreciate everyone’s position, if at all possible, I would like to have the defendant present just so I can also admonish him.”

Yohn’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Friday morning.

Yohn faces four counts in connection with an incident on Oct. 15 at 828 1/2 York. He has been charged with one count of residential burglary, a Class 1 felony punishable for between four and 15 years in prison; two counts of theft or unauthorized control of property over $500 but under $10,000, a Class 3 felony punishable for between two and 10 years in prison; and one count of criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony punishable for between one and three years in prison.

Yohn also has been charged with one count of vehicular hijacking, a Class X felony punishable for between six to 30 years, after allegedly taking a motor vehicle from a woman on Oct. 31.