Kangley, Ill. — Jeremy R. Vidergar, 47, of Kangley, has been charged with domestic battery and aggravated assault in connection with a reported domestic disturbance involving a stabbing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted in LaSalle County Circuit Court. He was booked into the LaSalle County Jail Tuesday evening, seen before Judge Ryan the next morning and released on GPS monitoring.
By Willow Moss | Moss and Ink | August 6th, 2026
Last updated: August 26, 2026
Case Status
- Current status: Convicted — entered a negotiated guilty plea on August 6, 2026; judgment entered
- Next court date: None — case closed August 6, 2026. Proof of compliance with sentencing conditions is due April 13, 2027.
- Charges:
- Domestic Battery with physical contact — possible 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 in fines — defendant pled guilty to this charge (Class A Misdemeanor) on August 6, 2026 as part of a negotiated plea
- Aggravated Assault with use of a deadly weapon (a knife) — 1–3 years in the DOC if found guilty; up to $25,000 in fines — defendant pled guilty to this charge (Class A Misdemeanor) on August 6, 2026 as part of a negotiated plea
- Custody status: Released on GPS monitoring
- Court: LaSalle County Circuit Court
- Prosecution: Assistant State’s Attorney Alison J. Kerestes
- Defense: Assistant Public Defender John Fisher (Ryan Hamer appeared at the June 24 initial hearing)
- Presiding judge: Hon. Chris H. Ryan Jr.
- Sentencing: Conditional discharge for 24 months on both counts, plus 30 days in jail with credit for 2 days served. Fines and assessments of $514 were imposed on Count I; a $439 assessment on Count II, and a separate $60 court-ordered payment, were vacated on August 12, 2026. Case closed August 6, 2026 (Case No. 2026DV000119).
- Last updated: August 26, 2026
Incident Overview
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, shortly before 5:00 p.m., the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and Grand Ridge Fire Department responded to a home in Kangley for a reported domestic disturbance involving a stabbing.
Deputies were informed that at least one person involved had fled the scene on a four-wheeler. Defendant Vidergar, 47, of Kangley, was later located and taken into custody. The incident is described as domestic in nature, with one victim reportedly stabbed. Victim identity is being withheld per standard policy in domestic cases.
The case came to public attention via law enforcement activity, local media reports, and jail booking information.
Initial Investigation
LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded promptly to the residence. Investigation led to Defendant Vidergar being identified and apprehended. He was booked into the LaSalle County Jail Tuesday evening on preliminary charges of domestic battery and aggravated assault.
Jail records and early reports confirm the charges stem from the alleged stabbing during the domestic incident.
Official Statements
No formal press conference has been reported. Information has been released through standard law enforcement and jail booking channels, as well as local news coverage.
Limited specific public comments are available in early coverage. On social media, reactions generally express concern over domestic violence incidents in small communities and relief at a quick arrest. No widely notable or attributable quotes have surfaced publicly at this time.
Evidence & Allegations
Public details remain limited. The State alleges Defendant Vidergar was involved in a domestic disturbance that escalated to a stabbing. Evidence referenced in early reports includes the response to the scene, witness statements regarding the disturbance and flight on a four-wheeler, and the nature of the victim’s injuries.
No further forensic details (e.g., weapon recovery, specific statements) have been publicly released.
Background
Jeremy R. Vidergar, 47, is a resident of Kangley, Illinois (with prior connections to the Streator area). Public records show a prior domestic battery charge from 2021 in LaSalle County.
Case Timeline & Proceedings
June 23, 2026 — Incident & Arrest
Reported domestic disturbance and stabbing in Kangley. Defendant Vidergar apprehended and booked into LaSalle County Jail on charges of domestic battery and aggravated assault.
June 24, 2026 — Initial Court Appearance
Defendant Vidergar appeared before Hon. Chris H. Ryan Jr. for his initial appearance. Found indigent, he was appointed a Public Defender (Ryan Hamer appeared on his behalf that day). The State, represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Alison Kerestes, filed a Verified Petition to Deny Pretrial Release; the court found the State had not shown clear and convincing evidence to justify detention, denied the petition, and imposed conditions of pretrial release including GPS electronic monitoring. By agreement, the matter was continued to August 6, 2026 for an appearance with counsel.
July 17 & 22, 2026 — GPS Alarm Activations
Since his release, Defendant Vidergar’s court-ordered GPS monitor has triggered an alarm on two occasions: July 17, 2026 and July 22, 2026. Authorities have been notified of both incidents, and the circumstances surrounding each alarm are still being reviewed.
July 8, 2026 — Discovery
Discovery information was furnished to the defendant pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 412.
August 6, 2026 — Guilty Plea and Conviction
At a status hearing, the case proceeded to a negotiated plea. Defendant Vidergar, represented by Assistant Public Defender John Fisher, entered a plea of guilty to Count I, Domestic Battery (Class A Misdemeanor), and Count II, Aggravated Assault/Use of a Deadly Weapon (Class A Misdemeanor). The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Alison J. Kerestes. The court advised Vidergar of the charges and possible penalties, found him guilty, and entered judgment on the finding. He was admonished that he may be subject to federal penalties for possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm or ammunition under the federal Gun Control Act. His right to appeal was explained and acknowledged. The court sentenced him to 24 months of conditional discharge on each count, along with 30 days in jail with credit for 2 days already served. Fines and assessments of $514 were imposed on Count I; a $439 assessment on Count II, and a separate $60 court-ordered payment, were vacated on August 12, 2026. Proof of compliance is due April 13, 2027.
August 12, 2026 — Fee Waiver
The court granted a waiver of the $439 assessment on Count II and vacated a separate $60 court-ordered payment.
Latest Update
As of August 6, 2026, this case has been resolved. Jeremy R. Vidergar entered a negotiated guilty plea to both counts — domestic battery and aggravated assault/use of a deadly weapon, each a Class A Misdemeanor — and the court found him guilty and entered judgment. He was represented by Assistant Public Defender John Fisher; the State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Alison J. Kerestes, with Hon. Chris H. Ryan Jr. presiding.
Between his June 24 release and the plea, Vidergar’s court-ordered GPS monitor triggered alarms on July 17 and July 22, 2026, which were reported to authorities. He was sentenced to 24 months of conditional discharge on each count, 30 days in jail with credit for 2 days served, and fines and assessments of $514 on Count I (a $439 assessment on Count II, and a separate $60 court-ordered payment, were vacated on August 12, 2026). Proof of compliance with sentencing conditions is due April 13, 2027, and the case is now closed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. All information is sourced from publicly available law-enforcement releases, court filings, and official statements. Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
— Willow Moss