By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Willie Hearn, age 69, of 370 N. Tratt St., #124 was convicted on October 24 of two felony and four misdemeanor counts arising from the robbery of the BP Station, 1138 W. Main Street in Whitewater on May 19, 2023. The felonies were Armed Robbery with Threat of Force and Possession of Cocaine/Coca (2nd+). The misdemeanors were two counts of Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Disorderly Conduct, and Possess Drug Paraphernalia.

Judge David M. Reddy presided over the trial. Mackenzie Renner represented Hearn, and Attorney Andrew Herrmann, the State of Wisconsin. As the two day trial began, attorney Renner indicated that his client was willing to plead guilty to simple robbery, an offer that was not accepted.

According to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, the 12 person jury deliberated for approximately an hour before returning guilty verdicts on all six charges.

The sentencing hearing was scheduled for December 20, 2023. The most serious charge, Armed Robbery with Threat of Force, is a Class C felony, which alone is punishable by up to 40 years of confinement, a $100,000 fine or both.

Editor’s note: Earlier reports on the Banner regarding this incident:

Whitewater Police Make Arrest in BP Station Robbery, May 19, 2023

Whitewater Resident Charged with Armed Robbery, May 22, 2023