“Tolerance and apathy are the last virtues of a dying society.” ~Aristotle
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All five suspects involved in the brutal break-in and sexual assault are now in police custody, giving some relief to their victims.
Dillon Vance was one of seven people, most college students, sleeping at a house in the 600 block of Veto Street, where the break-in occurred . Vance had just laid down on his friend’s couch after a college party when he endured the most terrifying nights of his life.
“The next thing I know I was pistol whipped on the back of the head, they put me down on the couch, put pillows over my head, took my belt off, and bound my wrists together,” said Vance. “They put the gun to the back of my head and said if I screamed or tried to do anything, I was dead.”
Police arrested Dorian Jones, Rederick Melton, Brandon Towns and also have a 14-year-old in custody.
Vance didn’t realize the last suspect, James Hodges, turned himself in on Friday.
“That is a huge relief for me,” said Vance.
His roommate, Jared Holmes, shares the relief, especially since several wallets were stolen giving the suspects full access to the victims’ addresses.
“That half hour that they were in the house, I’ve never prayed harder or longer in my entire life,” said Vance.
Dorian Jones, Rederick Melton and Brandon Towns, were each officially charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault, four counts of armed robbery and one count of home invasion. Towns also faces an additional charge for being a fourth time habitual offender. Jones – who has prior record in Illinois – and Melton are each 20 years old, while Towns is 25.
They were all ordered held without bond by Judge Jeanine Laville on Friday.
Hodges faces similar charges to the other three suspects. He will be arraigned on June 11.
The 14-year-old will be processed through the juvenile system.