After being imprisoned in December for allegedly assaulting a 6-year-old child, an Illinois woman was once again homeless.
A judge ordered 36-year-old Martha Dunham to stay away from children under the age of 18 in exchange for her release from the Ogle County Jail.
Dunham was taken into custody on December 13 on suspicion of domestic abuse and aggravated violence of a minor.
On January 9, she appeared in court and was granted a protective order after being released from custody.
Court documents taken from a local news outlet Shaw According to locals, Dunham was charged with headbutting the child and yanking her hair.
There was no information provided about Dunham’s relationship with the child or his relationship with the mother, who requested a protective order against Dunham.
According to the records, the alleged assaults involved physical contact that was either demeaning or inspiring.
Dunham appeared in court on December 23 and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. A hearing about the protective order that the mother of the alleged victim filed after the December incident was held on January 7.
When Ogle County Judge Russell Crull asked Dunham whether she would agree to the order, he responded, “Can we do it until my criminal case is settled?” The mother had requested a two-year extension of the order.
Crull made the order last until January 28. He then allegedly represented the child’s mother as a private defense lawyer and withdrew from all further involvement, citing a conflict of interest.
A new judge, Anthony Peska, heard the case again on January 9.
Peska ordered Dunham’s release with the stipulation that she not engage with any children under the age of eighteen, despite prosecutors reportedly requesting that she stay in jail due to her prior domestic violence offenses, which go back to 2006.
She will appear in court once more on January 28 for a follow-up hearing about the protective order.
Dunham’s next court appearance on her criminal charges is scheduled for March 18.
RESOURCE
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.