Warren County – On October 7, 2021, Mulleek O.L. Odomes, 19, pleaded guilty to three counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Drugs causing Great Bodily Harm arising out of a 2020 car crash on Route 34, and a single count of Battery against a minor in stemming from an unrelated incident this year. The Honorable Judge Richard H. Gambrell accepted the plea and ordered a pre-sentence report at a hearing this morning. Several other charges and one other case against the defendant were dismissed in connection with the plea agreement. Odomes is free awaiting sentencing.
At the hearing, the court heard about the October 10, 2020 collision caused when Odomes’ car crossed into opposing lanes and struck another head on, seriously injuring all three occupants of the other vehicle. The driver and both passengers, ages 6 and 9, suffered extensive injuries. All three were taken to the hospital and two of them were transported by life flight. All suffered multiple broken bones and other injuries, some requiring surgery.
Witnesses reported that immediately before the accident Odomes had used the shoulder of U.S. 34 to pass another motorist on the right at more than 85 miles per hour. He then crossed both Westbound lanes and the median before colliding with another car carrying the three family members. The Illinois State Police accident reconstruction showed that his car was still traveling more than 70 miles per hour at the time of impact. A first responder at the scene told police that he believed Odomes, who initially gave a false name, showed signs of impairment, and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. An investigation later confirmed his suspicions.
Odomes’ sentencing hearing is set for this December. He could be sentenced to up to 30 months of probation and up to 180 days in jail. If sentenced to prison, he faces between 1 to 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In Illinois prisoners typically serve no more than 50% of their sentence but due to the serious injuries inflicted, Odomes would be required to serve no less than 85% of any prison sentence. Recent changes to Illinois law mean he would not be subject to any mandatory parole or supervision on release.
***Report Courtesy of the Warren County State’s Attorney’s Office***
