Batavia man faces prison for breaking teen's hip outside library

A 38-year-old Batavia man faces prison after his conviction for pushing a 13-year-old boy to the ground outside the Batavia Public Library in July 2016, causing a fractured hip.

Russell R. Jenkins, of the 1300 block of East Wilson Street, was convicted Tuesday after a bench trial before Kane County Judge Linda Abrahamson and faces a punishment range of probation to up to 10 years in prison for felony aggravated battery in a public place because the victim suffered great bodily harm.

Jenkins, who has several previous arrests, has been held at the Kane County jail since his arrest last July.

At trial, prosecutors said the 230-pound Jenkins was in a group of people outside the library when he became angry and violently shoved the 70-pound teen to the ground.

The teen suffered a fractured pelvis and scratches and continues to recover from the attack, prosecutors said.

According to Kane County court records, Batavia police arrested Jenkins in February 2010 on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery, but the charges were later dismissed.

Jenkins was arrested in May 2011 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded guilty and completed a year of supervision, which included a victim impact panel and 50 hours of community service.

Aurora police arrested Jenkins on charges of transmitting an obscene message and phone harassment in May 2013. The first charge was dropped and he pleaded guilty to the harassment charge, paying a $350 fine and completing conditional discharge, which is a form of probation.

Jenkins was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal property damage in Batavia in April 2014. The battery charge was dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to the property damage charge, paying $250 restitution to a Hanover Park woman, $350 in court fines and he completed another year of conditional discharge.

He will be sentenced June 8.