5-Year Prison Term For Montgomery Man Stalking Former Girlfriend: SA

MONTGOMERY, IL — A 43-year-old Montgomery man exchanged a guilty plea to an aggravated stalking charge for five years in prison, officials said.

Ellihue Pegues, Jr., of the 0-99 block of Saugatuck Road, is eligible for day-to-day sentencing, according to officials at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. The 43-year-old received credit for the 383 days spent in the Kane County jail, where he has been held since his arrest in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Pegues's prison sentence is the result of stalking a former girlfriend multiple times, officials said. The man was prohibited from contacting the woman or going near her home due to a protective order and conditions of bond from an earlier offense.

On Sept. 2, 2021, police said the woman and her daughter were at their Aurora home when Pegues arrived and held her by the throat until her daughter pepper sprayed him in the face. About a week later, on Sept. 12, he returned to the home and pepper sprayed both the woman and her daughter in the face, officials said.

In both instances, officials said Pegues violated the protective order and caused the woman to fear for her safety, therefore committing the felony offense of aggravated stalking.

"I am proud of these women for their bravery despite this defendant’s multiple attempts to intimidate them," Assistant State's Attorney Jessica Michels said in a statement. "Their willingness to work with us during this prosecution assures that Mr. Pegues is held accountable for his criminal behavior."

Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser echoed Michels's sentiments.

"Protective orders and conditions of bond are not mere pieces of paper," she said. "They are court orders to protect victims from further abuse. This defendant chose to batter the victim, which caused her to seek the protection of the court. He then chose to continue to violate the law. Our community is safer because he is in prison. My thoughts go to the victim and her daughter, who will still have to endure the memories of this defendant’s choices."