Rantoul man sentenced to probation for brandishing hammer to steal money | News

URBANA — A Rantoul man was sentenced to three years of probation for threatening his mother with a hammer in an attempt to steal five dollars from her earlier this year.

Champaign County Judge Matt Lee handed down the sentence Tuesday to Troy D. Burke, 40, after he pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny.

Burke must also obtain a substance abuse evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment.

In exchange for his plea, the state dropped its original charge of armed robbery without a firearm, a Class X felony.

Burke's mother was at home in the 1100 block of East Champaign Avenue in Rantoul on March 10 when her son began knocking on her door, Assistant State's Attorney Lindsey Clark said.

The woman had previously kicked her son out due to drug and alcohol abuse, she told police.

Burke used a knife to try to open the door, but was unsuccessful.

He then approached his mother holding a hammer and threatened to hit her with it if she did not give him five dollars, which she did.

The woman then got into her car, drove to the Rantoul police station and told them what had happened.

Burke had previous convictions for domestic battery, aggravated battery and theft.

Burke faced four to 15 years in prison for grand larceny, a Class 1 felony. He had already served 100 days in prison.