Batterson Makes Initial Court Appearance

A Louisiana man who is charged with burglarizing several Fairfield residences made his initial court appearance on Wednesday.

56-year-old James H. Batterson appeared before Judge Denton Aud at 11 AM. Outside of his arrest for burglary, Batterson was wanted on a Louisiana Parole Authority Warrant for burglary.

Batterson faces 6 counts of Residential Burglary. The alleged offenses occurred in the 1200 Block of North 1st, 800 Block of East King Street, 400 Block of Northwest 9th Street, Parkhurst Place, 400 Block of East Johnson Street, and 200 block of Union Street. The alleged offenses allegedly took place between April and June of 2024. Each count carries up to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. According to Judge Aud, the situation qualifies for habitual offender status, which leads up to 30 years per count. Batterson is being represented by public defender Heidi Hoffee.

Following the first appearance, a detention hearing was held. The state has filed a denial of pretrial release. Following a recess, it was determined that Batterson would agree to the state’s petition on stipulation of clear and convincing evidence. Batterson will be back in Wayne County Court on July 18th at 9 AM.