WOODSTOCK, Ill. (FOX 56) — A Woodstock man has been sentenced to six years in prison for possessing fentanyl-laced drugs and leading police on a chase before crashing in Harvard and fleeing on foot.
Julius M. Williams, 42, was charged in August 2022 with several offenses, including aggravated fleeing to elude, obstructing justice, and unlawful possession of cannabis. The charges stemmed from an incident on August 1, 2022, when officers attempted to stop a 2016 Nissan driven by Williams, who was driving erratically near Division Street and Brink Street.
Williams fled from officers, leading to a crash at Thompson Street and Marengo Road in Harvard. His vehicle was disabled, and Williams fled on foot, but officers were able to apprehend him. Williams was found to be intoxicated at the time of his arrest, and although a judge had signed a warrant for alcohol testing, he refused the test.
In addition to the charges listed above, Williams was found in possession of more than 100 grams of cannabis. He was also cited for numerous traffic violations, including driving while license suspended, driving under the influence of alcohol, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
Williams was later arrested again while out on bond for another charge. On March 18, 2023, he was arrested for aggravated battery after punching a man in the face at Vic’s Place Bar and Grill in Harvard, causing a bleeding injury.
In May 2024, Williams faced further charges, including manufacturing and delivery of fentanyl-laced cocaine, after authorities found 42 grams of fentanyl-laced cocaine in his Woodstock residence. He was also in possession of packaging materials and a digital scale.
Williams ultimately entered into a negotiated plea deal. In exchange for the dismissal of several charges, including drug-related offenses, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of 15-100 grams of cocaine and aggravated battery in a public place.
On March 12, McHenry County Judge Mark Gerhardt sentenced Williams to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections under the negotiated plea. His three sentences will be served concurrently, and he received credit for 294 days already spent in jail.
This sentencing concludes a series of charges and legal proceedings for Williams, who now faces time in prison for his actions.
