Elgin man get 3 years for belt beating

Authorities are looking for a 37-year-old Elgin man who was sentenced this week to three years in prison for beating his 9-year-old son with a belt.

Jonathan D. Hare, of the 1600 block of Mulberry Lane, skipped out on his trial and was convicted last month and sentenced in absentia to three years in prison by Judge Timothy Sheldon this week.

Hare missed four court dates in January and February.

He was charged with beating his son with the belt at least 12 times on his face, arms and body on March 1, 2010.

During the trial, Assistant State’s Attorney Reagan McGuire argued that a parent has the right to discipline a child, but Hare went beyond what is reasonable form or discipline and punishment.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Hare, who told police he was disciplining his son for being a thief.

If you have information about Hare’s whereabouts, call Elgin police at (847) 289-2700.