CENTRALIA, Ill. – A 19-year-old Centralia man, Dakota Bender, is facing four felony charges in connection with the assault and robbery of a juvenile who was walking to a family member’s house.
Bender, of Melrose Avenue, was formally charged in Marion County Court on Monday with:
Aggravated battery
Mob action
Robbery
Theft
According to Centralia Police, the incident occurred on April 24 in the 1100 block of South Cherry Street, where a group, including Bender and four juveniles, allegedly approached the victim and attacked him. The juvenile was grabbed by the neck, punched, and kicked in the head and body after being forced to the ground. His phone was stolen during the assault.
The victim later reported the attack to police, which led to the arrest of the juveniles, who have already been charged.
Bender appeared in court Monday where, after probable cause was found, the prosecution requested he be held without bond. However, the request was denied, and Bender was released under pretrial conditions.
A public defender has been appointed, and Bender is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on September 2.
