On June 20, 2024, Michael Townsell (DOB: 6/5/1987), formerly of Danville, Illinois, was sentenced to 9 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after he pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony. Following his term of imprisonment, Townsell will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release. Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that on October 21, 2022, police were dispatched to the area of Williams Street in Danville for a pedestrian displaying a firearm. Officers arrived and observed a pedestrian matching the description of the subject. The subject was secured and identified by officers as Michael Townsell. Incident to arrest, Townsell was searched and officers located a loaded firearm in Townsell’s pocket. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy acknowledged the Danville Police Department for their efforts in this case. She added, “Community safety is the common goal of all law enforcement agencies. My office will continue to work with police officers to keep guns out of the hands of felons and to protect the safety of the citizens of Vermilion County.”