Staff Report

ROCKFORD — A man was found guilty in a domestic violence case this week, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross announced Friday.

Byron K. Champ, 49, was found guilty of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery and domestic battery after a bench trial in front of Judge Debra Schafer.

The charges against Champ stemmed from a domestic disturbance on June 12, 2015, at 505 Seminary St. That’s where a woman told police Champ grabbed her neck and choked her. Officers observed visible injuries to the victim’s face and neck. The victim had a previous domestic relationship with Champ.

Champ was initially convicted but was granted new trial in November 2016. According to court records, he was also convicted of domestic battery in 2003 and 2004.

Aggravated domestic battery is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison. Because of Champ’s prior convictions, the offense was upgraded to a Class X felony, which brings a sentencing range of six to 60 years behind bars.

Aggravated battery is also a Class 2 felony, while domestic battery is Class 4 offense, punishable by one to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Champ is scheduled for sentencing at 11 a.m., June 25, in Courtroom 467 of the Winnebago County Courthouse.