Hayward Man Accused of Jumping White House Fence Has Sordid Past in Chicago

A Hayward man accused of jumping the south perimeter of the White House fence on Sunday spent time on probation and in prison in Illinois, according to media reports.

ABC 7 News Chicago reported that Illinois native Jerome Hunt, 54, was sentenced to 22 years in prison after he was convicted of home invasion and criminal sexual assault in 1984.

Hunt reportedly spent time on probation after he was convicted of several other charges between 1997 and 2008, according to ABC 7.

Hunt, who is believed to be a Hayward transient, was arrested by U.S. Secret Service officials and was charged with misdemeanor unlawful entry after he after allegedly scaled a White House fence, near where the President’s helicopter takes off, on April 19. Hunt, who is free on bond, pleaded not guilty to the charge on April 21.

According to CNN, Hunt was carrying a package initially thought to be suspicious, when he climbed the fence but upon investigation following his arrest, the package was determined to be harmless.

During the court proceedings, Hunt was issued a stay-away order and will be monitored by GPS to ensure that he complies with the court. Hunt will also undergo a mental health evaluation before returning to court May 15, according to Superior Court of the District of Columbia court records. Full story here.

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• White House Fence Jumper Arrested, Identified as Hayward Resident
• Hayward Man Accused of Jumping White House Fence Released

CNN reported about a dozen people have made it over the high fence around the White House in the last five years. ABC 7 said Hunt is the first to make the jump in 2015.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Photo screenshot of ABC 7 News Chicago report.