On July 30, 2024, Lafayette Harper (DOB 1/7/1984), formerly of Danville, Illinois, pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 2 felony. Harper was sentenced by Judge Mark Goodwin to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Following his term of imprisonment, Harper will serve 1 year of mandatory supervised release. Judge Goodwin heard evidence from the State that between the dates of February 3rd and February 4th, 2024, Lafayette Harper was at his residence in Danville with numerous guests. It was reported to Danville Police that during this time, Harper produced a handgun and shot a round towards the ceiling. Upon search of Harper’s residence, officers located a handgun and ammunition. During an interview with police, Harper admitted that the handgun located by officers was his. Due to his criminal history, Harper is not legally permitted to possess a firearm. State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy thanked the Danville Police Department for their investigation into this matter. She said, “My office will continue to work to reduce violent crime in our community by removing illegally possessed guns from the hands of felons.”