Ex-Elgin minister gets 8 years for scuffle with cops

An Elgin man and former minister at the Second Baptist Church was sentenced to eight years in prison Thursday for fighting with police officers in August 2008.

Phillip S. Hodge, 48, was convicted in July of three counts of aggravated battery to a police officer.

Hodge was accused of shoving one officer and throwing another onto the hood of a squad car after police stopped his stepson in the 500 block of Edison Avenue for a loud music violation.

Hodge tried to take back the keys for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous that his son was driving, police said.

In Elgin, a loud music violation results in $250 fine and an automatic tow of the vehicle.

The Rev. Nathaniel Edmond, pastor at the Second Baptist Church of Elgin where Hodge was an associate minister, had said the church likely will remove Hodge from his position.

Edmond could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday but said in July Hodge's actions were "inexcusable."

When arrested, Hodge told authorities he was a deacon at the church and he worked with Elgin police to help counsel street gang members.

Because Hodge had previous felony convictions for aggravated robbery and burglary, the offense qualified for six to 30 years in prison.

Judge Thomas Mueller gave Hodge eight years on Thursday, but he is eligible for day-for-day sentencing and could get out in four years, officials said.