The Mattoon Police Department made four arrests Thursday night after responding to a report that multiple suspects were beating a female victim outside of a residence in the 1500 block of South 3rd Street.
Of the four arrested suspects, three are residents of Mattoon and one of Chicago
Chicago resident Robert J. Lawrence was charged with Mob Action and Unlawful use of Weapons by a Felon. The charges against the 21-year-old Lawrence allege that he participated with the group of suspects involved, and that he was armed with a handgun. Lawrence allegedly held another man at gunpoint to prevent him from coming to the aid of the female who was being attacked. The Illinois Deptartment of Corrections has also issued a parole hold warrant of arrest for Lawrence. That warrant alleges that Lawrence was on parole from prison for Unlawful use of Weapons when he allegedly committed new crimes.
22-year-old Eric M. Lavely was charged with Mob Action and Unlawful use of a Weapon by a Felon. Those charges allege that Lavely participated by holding the victim down while two others to beat the female, and that he is a felon who possessed and attempted to hide a handgun.
22-year-old Seanta M. Wilbourn was charged with Mob Action and Aggravated Battery. The charges allege that Wilbourn participated with the others in beating the victim, and that she did so in public in a residential neighborhood.
19-year-old Monshana K. James was also charged with Mob Action and Aggravated Battery. James allegedly participated with the others in the beating, that she also kicked the victim, and that she did so in public in a residential neighborhood.
The victim was treated for lacerations and non-life threatening injuries. A loaded handgun was recovered during the course of the investigation.