July sentencing in World War II veteran’s beating

PEKIN — A July sentencing date is set for a Pekin man who has pleaded guilty to brutally beating a World War II veteran.

The Pekin Daily Times reports that 19-year-old Charles Cheney will be sentenced on July 17. He faces up to 35 years in prison.

Cheney had previously asked a Tazewell County judge if he could withdraw his guilty plea. But during a Thursday hearing he told the judge he wanted to withdraw that motion and keep the guilty plea.

Authorities say Cheney and another man stole jewelry and military medals from 86-year-old Ben Piercy’s home. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s office had the medals replaced.

Piercy’s daughter found him sitting in a living room the morning after the beating. He was suffering from a broken nose and bloodied face.