Woman Who Wouldn't Wear Mask At Mariano's Sentenced For Attacks

SHOREWOOD, IL — A 61-year-old Plainfield woman responsible for attacking employees at the Mariano's grocery store in September 2020 pleaded guilty to both counts of aggravated battery, and she's now on probation, Will County court files show.

In September 2020, Patch wrote about the Shorewood Police Department's arrest of off-duty Plainfield school employee Janene Duff, who was put in the Will County Jail for two days.

Duff attacked Mariano's employees inside the store, and she later attacked a senior citizen in the store's parking lot, according to Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Jason Barten.

On Sept. 7, 2020, Mariano's employees notified Duff she was not welcome to patronize the grocer unless she complied with Illinois Department of Public Health regulations and wore a face covering; she became combative with the Mariano's staff and a scuffle ensued, Barten indicated.

Duff has worked as a special education teaching assistant for the Plainfield Central High School campus, according to Plainfield schools.

According to court records, Duff pleaded guilty several months ago to both of her criminal charges. Will County Judge Carmen Goodman sentenced Duff to two years of probation, and ordered her to pay $1,935 in probation fees.

Duff was also given credit for the two days she already served inside the Will County Jail following her 2020 arrest, court documents reflect.

Additionally, Duff must have no future contact with the Mariano's grocery store in Shorewood and both of her victims, her sentencing order noted.

Duff's probation will continue until May 23, 2023, Judge Goodman instructed.

Related Patch coverage:

Woman, 60, Won't Wear Mask At Mariano's, Attacks 2 People: Cops