Champaign Felon Sentenced to Prison for Firearms Offense
Trevoy Fonville received a ten-year prison sentence following a 2024 high-speed police pursuit.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A Champaign man was sentenced to ten years in prison for felon possession of a firearm. DNA evidence linked Trevoy Fonville to a weapon discarded during a high-speed chase in 2024.
Why it matters
The incident resulted in a lockdown at the Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, highlighting the risks posed to the public during police pursuits involving armed suspects. Two other individuals involved in related weapon charges have also received prison sentences.
Trevoy Fonville received a ten-year sentence following his trial in August 2026. This concludes the legal proceedings for the firearm possession charge linked to the 2024 incident.
The players
Trevoy Fonville
He is the 30-year-old Champaign resident who received a ten-year prison sentence for felon possession of a firearm.
William Laws
He is a 27-year-old individual who previously received an 11-year prison sentence for related weapon charges.
Anthony Wilkins
He is a 31-year-old Rantoul resident who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in the case.
Booker T. Washington STEM Academy
This educational institution was placed on a soft lockdown due to safety concerns during the police pursuit.
The details
Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle identified as belonging to a felon, which escalated into a pursuit reaching speeds of 65 mph. The investigation later confirmed Fonville's identity through DNA analysis of a discarded firearm.
Timeline
The criminal offense occurred in 2024.
Booker T. Washington STEM Academy was placed on lockdown on Oct. 31, 2024.
Anthony Wilkins was sentenced in the summer of 2025.
Trevoy Fonville faced his conviction trial in August 2026.
Trevoy Fonville received his sentence on Sept. 18, 2026.
Legal Context
The sentencing of Trevoy Fonville follows the pattern established by the Illinois state sentencing guidelines for armed habitual offenders. These regulations dictate mandatory minimums and structural requirements for the prosecution of repeat firearm offenders in the state.
The resolution of this case closes a public safety investigation that previously necessitated a lockdown at a local elementary school. Residents and school administrators can anticipate no further active threats related to this specific criminal incident.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the severe legal consequences for felons found in possession of firearms in Illinois. It also underscores the importance of DNA forensics in securing convictions during high-speed traffic stops.
Further reading
For more on judicial proceedings in the region, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Gazette.
