Yohn twice removed from courtroom for interrupting judge; makes another claim he’s being beaten in Adams County Jail

QUINCY — A Springfield man awaiting a motion hearing in Adams County Circuit Court was removed from the courtroom by bailiffs after interrupting a judge Tuesday morning. When he came back an hour later for his hearing, the man lasted less than 90 seconds in the courtroom before another heated exchange started, and he was removed again.

Bradley Yohn, 35, appeared with Public Defender Todd Nelson before Judge Tad Brenner to be heard on a motion Nelson made Jan. 10 to strike motions made by Yohn to defend himself pro se in two cases. Yohn withdrew verbal motions to defend himself during a status hearing before Judge Robert Adrian on Jan. 3.

Yohn was charged Oct. 15 with allegedly threatening to kill a correctional officer, a Class 3 felony, in the Adams County Jail. 

Yohn was charged Nov. 15 with three counts of possessing contraband in a penal institution, a Class 1 felony, and communicating with a witness, a Class 3 felony. Charging documents filed in Adams County allege Yohn possessed electronic contraband in the form of thumb drives in the Adams County Jail. He also allegedly communicated false information to Karen Blackledge with the intent of preventing her from testifying “freely, fully and truthfully.” He has yet to be arraigned in that case.

Brenner was arraigning three people — Pam Mester, Robert Miller and Christin Dillion — in the courtroom when Yohn spoke up.

“Excuse me, your honor. I apologize for interrupting,” Yohn said. “I was supposed to have an arraignment, too.” 

Bailiff Kelsey Soebbing said to Yohn, “Out. Out.” She then escorted him from the courtroom at approximately 9:30 a.m. as Yohn said, “I’m trying to get an arraignment.”

A second person, identified as Travis Bloom, was escorted moments later from the courtroom by Adams County Sheriff’s Department personnel. Bloom is a cousin of Yohn.

“She’s accusing me of something I haven’t even done,” Bloom said as he was removed.

Brenner continued to hear the remainder of the cases on his docket before taking a brief recess at 10:27 a.m. After consulting with Nelson, Brenner allowed Yohn to return to the courtroom. Within moments of his case being heard, Yohn moved as if he was going to possibly join Nelson at his table, but Soebbing instructed him to “stay there” in the front row of benches in the courtroom.

Brenner paused when Soebbing talked to Yohn. Yohn then said, “I guess I’m a major issue.”

As Yohn continued to try to talk, Brenner said, “I’m addressing your attorney.”

“I understand,” Yohn said. “But I do need to speak, your honor.”

“Mr. Yohn, we can’t interrupt one another in the courtroom,” Brenner said. “If we do, nothing happens.”

Nelson then explained to Brenner that the pro se motions in the two cases previously mentioned should be stricken.

“I’m certainly willing to consult with Mr. Yohn about issues he intends to raise,” Nelson said.

Brenner then asked Assistant State’s Attorney Laura Keck if she objected to the motion, and she said no. Yohn then spoke up.

“I object, your honor,” he said. “If I may … “

Brenner attempted to cut him off, but Yohn continued. “I have been assaulted, and I’m asking for you to order some things,” he said.

Brenner asked for bailiffs to again remove Yohn from the courtroom.

“I’m asking for you to order some things,” Yohn said before three bailiffs physically escorted him from the courtroom.

As he stood outside the courtroom in the waiting area prisoners use before taking the elevator to gain access to the Adams County Jail, Yohn bellowed, “You ain’t going to keep beating my ass! And I have the videos. Everybody up there knows. They’re trying to hide videos and beat my ass in this county jail!”

The motions to strike the pro se motions were granted. Brenner set both cases for a status hearing on Jan. 24, with Yohn to be arraigned on the charges of possession of contraband in a jail on that date as well.

Yohn faces between two to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if he is found guilty of threatening to kill a correctional officer. He faces between four and 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if he is found guilty of possessing electronic contraband.

Yohn is defending himself against charges of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated criminal sexual assault with a weapon. He allegedly committed the crimes on Nov. 9, 2021, at Christine “Tina” Schmitt’s home. Yohn could be sentenced to serve between six and 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if he’s found guilty of any Class X felony.

Yohn is held on a $15 million bond, believed to be the largest ever in Adams County.