Crime & Safety
Man Who Killed Deputy Jacob Keltner Gets 55 Years In Prison
A federal judge sentenced Floyd E. Brown, 43, Monday in connection with the March 2019 fatal shooting.
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A Springfield man has been sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for fatally shooting McHenry County deputy Jacob Keltner in 2019.
A jury found Floyd E. Brown, 43, guilty earlier this year of second-degree murder of a federal officer, attempting to kill additional federal officers, assault of federal officers and multiple firearm offenses.
Keltner, a deputy with the McHenry County Sheriff's Office and also a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, was fatally shot outside an Extended Stay motel in Rockford on March 7, 2019. Keltner, as well as other members from the task force, were attempting to execute a warrant for Brown’s arrest at the Rockford hotel when Brown began shooting through the door and walls of the hotel room.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The shots narrowly missed three officers with the US Marshals office. Brown fatally shot Keltner, who was stationed outside the hotel at the time, after he jumped out of a window, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Brown, who was wanted on a residential burglary charge, fled the hotel. Authorities arrested him several hours later near Lincoln following a high-speed pursuit, according to prosecutors.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Brown was sentenced Monday during a hearing in federal court.
“Through the violent actions of Floyd Brown, the Keltner family lost a devoted son, husband and father, and the citizens of the Northern District of Illinois lost a dedicated public servant,” said John R. Lausch, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “Special Deputy Keltner made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation. His bravery and dedication will not be forgotten. We remain committed to prosecuting violence against federal law enforcement officers to the fullest extent of the law.”
MORE ON PATCH
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
