This is a photograph of the stab wound to an IYC employee allegedly inflicted by one of the inmates.
SALINE CO.— An obviously disturbed teen, currently housed in the Illinois Youth Center, has been charged with stabbing IYC employee Michael J. Tracey.
According to the formal charge, on January 12, Joseph L. Williams, 17, also known as Inmate #F50554, committed the felony offense of Aggravated Battery when, knowing Tracey to be a correctional employee performing his official duties, caused bodily harm to Tracey when he stabbed Tracey in the leg with a pencil.
Because Williams is a juvenile, little is known about his past.
Information has come to light that shows that Williams’ mother is Tasha Jarrett, who resides at 3808 Mill Crossing Dr., Apt. B, Indianapolis, Ind.
Further information indicates that Williams was committed to IYC out of Macon County February 10, 2015 after committing the offense of Armed Robbery with a Firearm.
At the time of the stabbing, Williams was eligible for parole in April of 2017.
Documents obtained from IYC shows that Williams has had no fewer than 57 disciplinary incidents including Disobeying a Direct Order, Contraband, Sexual Misconduct, Fighting, Youth Assault, Staff Assault, Intimidation and Treats, Unauthorized Movement, Impairment of Surveillance, Trading and Trafficking, Damage/Misuse of Property, Dangerous Disturbance, Possession of Unauthorized Personal Information, Aiding and Abetting and Insolence.
The details of Williams’ incarceration and subsequent charging as an adult were only made public following a process by which criminal complaints are carefully reviewed by the local prosecutor’s office and a judge, in this case Judge Todd Lambert.
Otherwise, the public is unaware of the level of violence and how pervasive that violence may be.
For example: what exactly the sexual misconduct perpetrated by Williams behind the walls of the local kid’s prison and what was done about it is unknown.
The same can be said for the acts of violence against other inmates and staff as listed in Williams’ progress report.
Sources indicate that there is an increased level of violence among youth offenders in general.
“We are seeing more cases in which these kids have access to weapons,” the source said. “Usually these weapons come from home and not always off the street.”
The source said that trying to get parents involved in heading off more serious incidents when their child gets into trouble is nearly impossible.
Others believe the issue of parental irresponsibility has been around so long that it is now a generational problem and when kids get in trouble, parents are of little or no help.
Williams is expected back in court later this month.