Supporters of Chad and Arminda Von Holten ask friends, family, and interested citizens to come support them, on Friday, May 3, 2022, outside the Whiteside County Courthouse, at a peaceful rally. “We want justice for a Child Rape Crime,” explained Chad, the father and uncle of two child victims involved in this case. This rally will be similar to the one held in April. The gathering begins at 1:00 p.m.
Chad’s father, Charles Von Holten, was charged with 3 counts of Class X sexual assault (Rape) felonies; 3 counts of Class 1 sexual assault (Rape) felonies; 1 count of Class 2 sexual abuse (Molestation) felony. These seven crimes were against his granddaughters.
Chad Von Holten reports, “Four days before the trial, [S. A.] Costello decided he was satisfied with Von Holten’s guilty plea. He offered the defendant in both girls’ cases a combined plea deal of 1 Class 2 sexual abuse (Molestation) felony, with 48 months probation. This means that three Class X sexual assault (Rape) felonies and three Class 1 sexual assault (Rape) felonies [woud be] dismissed. If the [plea] deal goes through [in June], the defendant [will serve] zero jail/prison time for his actions.”
In a written statement on April 19, the younger Von Holten had stated his family objected to such a plea agreement. In June, they still find this an injustice. They continue to pray and hope that State’s Attorney Terry Costello will “open his eyes.”
“We want justice. Our family’s and our niece’s victims’ rights have been violated. Probation for [the crime of] child Rape is not justice!”
The Plea Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8.