Peterson charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon in connection with rifle seized from his house

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May 21

JOLIET – The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Illinois State Police announce that a charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon has been filed against Drew Walter Peterson.

The charge alleges that the defendant “knowingly possessed a rifle, namely a Colt model Sporter Lightweight, 223 Remington rifle, Serial #SL025365 with attached EOTech electronic sight, with a barrel less than 16 inches in length” in violation of state law.

Peterson was arrested by Illinois State Police Wednesday morning in Bolingbrook without incident on a warrant signed by Chief Judge Stephen White. The warrant carried a bond of $75,000. Peterson must post 10 percent or $7,500 to secure his release while awaiting trial.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon is a Class 3 felony that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison upon conviction.

The rifle was one of the guns seized during the execution of a search warrant on Peterson’s house on Nov. 1, 2007. The length of the weapon’s barrel is in violation of state law. 

A court date for Peterson to appear on this weapons charge has yet to be scheduled. 

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.