Man Who Dug Hole, Shot Joliet Dog Gets Probation

JOLIET, IL — A 30-year-old Jefferson, Missouri resident who dug a hole on a friend's property in Joliet and then fatally shot the man's dog, avoided a sentence of prison at Wednesday's sentencing. Instead, Will County Judge Carmen Goodman gave convicted dog killer Frank Hickmon 24 months of probation.

Hickmon must also undergo mental health counseling, and he will be obligated to perform 200 hours of community service. Hickmon's community service requirement, however, must not involve animals, the judge stipulated.

The Will County State's Attorney Office of Jim Glasgow asked the judge to impose a sentence of either prison time or more time in the Will County Jail for Hickmon. The veteran Will County judge decided probation was the most appropriate sentence in this particular case.

On June 23, 2018, "Frank was abusing my dog. He dug a hole and shot him in my backyard and covered him with dirt. I was not home but my son David Jr. was. David Jr. witnessed this event," stated Joliet resident David R. Johnson, who lives in the 100 block of Barr Elm Avenue.

The Will County Sheriff's Department responded to the crime and took Hickmon into custody on June 24, 2018.

Hickmon remained in county lockup for about a week, before posting 10 percent of his $10,000 bail. Last year, he pleaded guilty to the felony crime of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Joliet Patch previously reported Hickmon "put the dog in a Full Nelson, and the dog wiggled loose and bit him in the arm. My girlfriend witnessed this event," according to court records.

According to court records, the dog owner's girlfriend "called me and told me I needed to get home because Frank said he was going to shoot the dog. I called Frank and he said he was not going to do anything to the dog."