Chicago Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Mendota Standoff

Judge rejects request for probation with alcohol treatment after violent incident.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Shaquille Jones, 32, of Chicago was sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated domestic battery after an armed standoff with police in Mendota, Illinois on September 23. Jones had choked his girlfriend during an argument and then refused to leave the residence, leading to a lengthy standoff that disrupted the neighborhood. The judge rejected Jones' request for probation with alcohol treatment, citing his criminal record and the danger he poses to society.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues, especially when they involve repeat offenders with a history of violence. The standoff also disrupted the local community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for effective interventions to prevent such incidents.

The details

Jones was charged after his girlfriend reported that he had choked her during an argument and taken her phone and laptop to prevent her from calling the police. When officers arrived, Jones refused to come out of the residence, leading to a lengthy standoff that brought the 1100 block of Fifth Street in Mendota to a standstill. At sentencing, Jones' public defender argued that the incident was fueled by alcohol and that Jones deserved a chance at probation and treatment, but the judge cited Jones' criminal record, including a previous custodial sentence for aggravated battery, and his history of non-compliance with probation, in sentencing him to four years in prison.

  • On September 23, Jones choked his girlfriend and refused to leave the residence, leading to the standoff.
  • On February 6, 2026, Jones was sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated domestic battery.

The players

Shaquille Jones

A 32-year-old Chicago man who was sentenced to four years in prison for aggravated domestic battery and an armed standoff with police in Mendota, Illinois.

H. Chris Ryan Jr.

The chief judge who sentenced Jones, citing his criminal record and the danger he poses to society.

Heidi Nelson

The assistant public defender who argued for probation and alcohol treatment for Jones, citing his mental health and substance abuse issues.

Alison Kerestes

The assistant La Salle County state's attorney who argued against probation, citing Jones' long criminal record and history of non-compliance with probation.

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What they’re saying

“I let the drinking get the worst of me that day.”

— Shaquille Jones (shawlocal.com)

“He's never once completed conditional discharge or court supervision successfully. He's a danger to society. He has a violent past and the Illinois Department of Corrections is appropriate in this matter.”

— Alison Kerestes, Assistant La Salle County State's Attorney (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Jones to four years in prison, subject to the state's Truth in Sentencing Act, means he must serve at least 85% of his sentence before being eligible for release.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues, especially when they involve repeat offenders with a history of violence. It underscores the need for more effective interventions and support systems to prevent such incidents and protect public safety.