Aurora man with lengthy criminal history sent back to prison

An Aurora man with a history of violent and drug crimes was sentenced late Wednesday to 13 years in prison.

Antwon L. Dismuke, 40, of the 1000 block of East New York Street, was convicted May 1 of being an armed habitual criminal.

Illinois law defines an armed habitual criminal as someone who possesses a firearm after having been convicted of two or more forcible felonies and/or drug crimes.

During the trial and sentencing hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that on July 14, 2009, Dismuke was given a handgun that had been used the night before in a drive-by shooting. No one was injured.

Dismuke was prohibited by law from being in possession of a firearm because of a 1995 conviction for aggravated discharge of a firearm and a 2001 conviction for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Both offenses took place in Kane County. Dismuke served prison terms for both convictions.

According to Illinois law, Dismuke must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence. He receives credit for at least 1,357 days served in the Kane County jail.

"Mr. Dismuke's history of gun and drug crimes show a lack of remorse and a disregard for Illinois law and the people of Aurora. The city of Aurora is safer with him in prison," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said.