By Kim McDarison

Willie Hearn, a Whitewater resident who was charged in May with robbing a BP gas station and convenience store on the city’s west side, was found guilty of several charges associated with the crime, including robbery with threat of force, two counts of resisting or obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct, and possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Hearn, who was 68 at the time of his arrest and is now 69, was arrested by members of the Whitewater Police Department after the agency received a report that an individual had displayed an object, believed to be a weapon, and forced an employee of the gas station to open the cash register.

The gas station and convenience store, known as the Raceway Food Mart, is located at 1138 W. Main St., Whitewater.

In August, Hearn entered pleas of not guilty to all charges brought against him. 

Hearn, who has been in custody, appeared Monday and Tuesday in Walworth County Circuit Court before Judge David Reddy, along with his attorney Mackenzie Renner as part of a two-day, 12-person jury trial.

Walworth County Assistant District Attorney Andrew Herrmann prosecuted the case.

According to information supplied through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, during the trial, Hearn, through his attorney, asked the court for a lesser charge, telling the court that he was “ready to admit to simple robbery,” and “denies that this was armed robbery.” 

Additionally, the court record noted, that Hearn responded to questions from the court “as to intent to admit to robbery,” with the record further noting: “Court finds this to be sufficient record.” 

During the trial, the record stated, several officers testified as witnesses for the state, and body camera footage was entered as evidence and shown to the jury.

Hearn did not testify during the proceedings.

The trial concluded Tuesday with the defendant found guilty of all charges brought against him.

According to court records, the jury was released to the jury room for deliberations at 11:09 a.m. and returned with a verdict of guilty on all six counts against Hearn at 12:11 p.m. 

Hearn will next appear in court on Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. for sentencing.

Hearn was convicted of the following charges: a felony C count of armed robbery with threat of force, two misdemeanor A counts of resisting or obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor B count of disorderly conduct, and two misdemeanor U counts, including possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

In Wisconsin, a Class C felony is punishable by up to 40 years of confinement, a $100,000 fine or both. A Class A misdemeanor can carry a fine of up to $10,000, up to nine month of confinement or both. A Class B misdemeanor can carry a fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days of confinement. A Class U misdemeanor can carry a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months of confinement. 

An earlier story, published on WhitewaterWise’s sister publication, Fort Atkinson Online, outlining steps leading to Hearn’s arraignment in June, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/court-binds-hearn-defendant-in-may-whitewater-gas-station-robbery-over-for-trial/.