Batavia man charged with texting threats to witness

A 19-year-old Batavia man is accused of texting threats of violence to his ex-girlfriend in an attempt to deter her from testifying against him in court.

Ryan Colby, of the 38W300 block of Monterey Drive, was charged last week with stalking and unlawful communication with a witness, both felonies. He surrendered to police Monday and was released on a $15,000 cash bond.

According to a criminal complaint, Colby placed his former girlfriend under surveillance on March 18 and April 14, and sent text messages threatening to injure or murder her.

The threats were meant to deter the victim from testifying against Colby in another case in which he is accused of driving into the woman's vehicle and breaking out one of the windows March 18 in Batavia, according to the allegations.

In the previous case, which is pending, Colby was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, failure to reduce speed and knowingly damaging property.

Deputy Batavia Police Chief Gregory Thrun said the threats began after a "semi-long relationship" between Colby and the victim came to an end.

"They were in the midst of breaking up, and he wasn't happy with that," Thrun said.

Colby attorney D.J. Tegeler said he had no comment Tuesday beyond noting that his client "voluntarily turned himself in" after learning of the new charges.

If convicted of the most serious offense, a Class 3 felony, Colby could be sentenced to probation or two to five years in prison. He's due to appear April 27 in Kane County court.