In the News

News-Sun, July 24, 2007

Jeffrey and Sara Hutsell are facing misdemeanor sentencing that includes potential jail time, probation and a fine of up to $2,500, but a bill awaiting the signature of Gov. Rod Blagojevich would make future such offenses a felony and carry the possibility of prison.

The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, has passed both the House and Senate. Like most legislative matters, it is in a growing pile on Blagojevich's desk, while the budget stalemate continues. A spokesman for Garrett said, "There is every expectation that he will sign it into law."

The Hutsells of Deerfield were found guilty Saturday by a jury in Lake County Circuit Court of allowing an underage drinking party in their home, endangering the life of a minor, and attempting to obstruct justice by providing police with false information about their son's whereabouts.

Some 29 older teens attended a party in their home last Oct. 13, where beer, rum and whiskey were consumed. Two 18-year-olds were killed returning to the party as their car crashed into a tree at the end of the Hutsell driveway.

The Hutsells said they had no reason to suspect that drinking would be going on. Their son, Jonathan Tyler Hutsell, 19, had been arrested twice earlier in 2006 for underage drinking.

If the new law makes the offenses felonies, convictions would carry the possibility of prison as well as probation, and fines of up to $25,000. The new law carries widespread support from law enforcement in Lake County.

Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said Monday that his office will recommend an as-yet-undetermined sentence for the Hutsells to Associate Judge Christopher Stride on Sept. 11.

"I'm not ruling out anything," Waller said, including jail.

After a pre-sentencing report is completed by the Probation Department, "I will sit down with prosecutors Christen Bishop and Ari Fisz and discuss what would be the appropriate recommendation. We will take into account the relevant facts, the backgrounds and actions of the Hutsells in this case. Their actions were very troubling, hosting the party and obstructing the police. Their testimony at the trial was obviously not believed by the jury."

Defense attorneys Elliot Pinsel and Robert Gevirtz could not be reached for comment.