Nine years for arson in Elgin, threatening girlfriend
Last June, James R. Beavers was acquitted of charges that he intentionally set fire to his parents' Elgin home in November 2009 while his then 2-year-old son was inside sitting in a high chair.
But the 33-year-old Elgin man could not escape a lengthy criminal record of domestic violence, driving under the influence, forgery and threatening his girlfriend and mother of their six kids while he was out on bond.
Kane County Judge Timothy Sheldon sentenced Beavers to a total of nine years in prison Monday: four years for aggravated DUI, violation of an order of protection and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon that he was accused of in April 2010 while free on bond for the arson case and another five years in prison for burning his girlfriend's clothes and fighting with rescue personnel who tried to put out a fire Nov. 19, 2009, at Beavers' parents home on the city's west side.
The sentences will be served one after the other.
Assistant State's Attorney Mark Stajdohar wanted the maximum 17-year sentence, saying Beavers was a danger to his children, their mother and society as a whole.
“I truly believe that no matter how long (a term) this court sentences him to, her life will be in danger once he is a free man,” Stajdohar said. “The defendant is a runaway train of anger.”
But defense attorney Liam Dixon said his client was acquitted of the most serious arson charges and fought with firefighters because he wanted to get back inside to help his toddler son.
Beavers apologized to his parents, but not the mother of his children. He said he has been battling alcoholism his entire life.
“I have made peace with my past so it doesn't spoil me and my children's future,” he said. “I do believe people can change. I am not that person today.”