Yohn apologizes for outburst during July court appearance; case now on November jury docket

QUINCY — The case against Bradley Yohn, who has been charged with four Class X felonies in connection with a Nov. 9, 2021 sexual assault, now is on the November jury docket.

Yohn, 35, appeared in Adams County Circuit Court with public defender Todd Nelson on Wednesday morning before Judge Roger Thomson. The jury trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 7 before Judge Scott Larson.

Nelson opened the hearing by addressing what he called a motion that Yohn had filed.

“I’m not going to be adopting that motion,” he said.

Representatives with the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office said Yohn recently sent a letter that is not part of the public record. The last motion filed by Yohn was for withdrawal of counsel on July 18.

When Nelson asked Thomson for the case to be placed on the November docket, Yohn spoke up and said, “October, your honor, if possible.” However, Thomson did not address his request.

Yohn is charged with home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated criminal sexual assault with a weapon — all Class X felonies. He allegedly committed the crimes at the home of Christine “Tina” Schmitt, who died on Dec. 12.

Once Nelson and assistant state’s attorney Todd Eyler agreed on the date for Yohn’s jury trial and started filling out paperwork, Yohn spoke to Thomson.

“Your honor, I’d like to apologize for my behavior last time,” Yohn said.

Yohn was frustrated with Thomson during his last appearance on July 20. He had been representing himself pro se but agreed during that hearing to allow Nelson to represent him. When Nelson asked Thomson for a continuance in the case, Yohn blurted out, “I object, your honor.” Yohn continued to complain, and when he asked if he could ask a question, Thomson replied, “No. Ask your attorney.”

Yohn then said, “Why don’t you get off my case then?” Three bailiffs escorted him from the courtroom as he yelled vulgar language.

When Yohn offered his apology Tuesday, Thomson replied, “I didn’t observe your behavior, because apparently whatever happened took place outside of the courtroom in a little hallway.”

“Still, your honor, it was out of context,” Yohn said. “I’m not normally like that. It’s outside of my character. I’d still like to apologize to the court.”

“Your apology is accepted, although it is unnecessary,” Thomson said.

Yohn remains in the Adams County Jail on $15 million bond.