6-Time Lemont Criminal Sues Glasgow For Right To Own Gun

JOLIET, IL — A man from Lemont has hired a lawyer from Austin, Texas, to sue Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow and the Illinois State Police for the right to obtain a Firearm Owners Identification Card. The lawsuit indicates that plaintiff Troy J. Kelly lives on South Archer Avenue and that his criminal history began in 1993 when he was convicted of burglary, a Class 2 felony in Cook County.

The lawsuit at the Will County Courthouse indicates Kelly got sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for a minimum of six months following his 1993 burglary conviction.

Kelly was also convicted of committing crimes during the following years:

• 1995, assault, a misdemeanor offense
• 2000, criminal trespass, a misdemeanor offense
• 2001, possession of controlled substances, a felony offense
• 2002, retail theft, a misdemeanor offense
• 2002, retail theft, a felony offense

Regarding the Dec. 23, 2002 retail theft offense in Cook County, Kelly "was re-sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for a period of two years with 151 credit days served," explains his lawyer David Copp of the Texas law firm Eastman Meyler PC, in the recent lawsuit.

"Petitioner is appealing the denial of his FOID application and petitions this court for relief," Kelly's Will County lawsuit argues. "The denial of petitioner's FOID application has denied him substantial justice. Petitioner has remained law-abiding for 16 years since his past conviction.

"Upon completion of his last sentence term, petitioner has become a fully rehabilitated, productive member of society. (Kelly) has had a stable job for over 10 years and continues to provide for his family and is grounded by his faith," his lawyer informed the court.

The Texas lawyer also emphasized his client from Lemont "does not pose any threat to public safety. Petitioner is a dedicated father, husband and grandfather. Based on his social interactions with members of his family and the community in general, he has proven to be a non-violent individual."

The matter has been set for a hearing at the courthouse on Jan. 13.