Manhunt for Illinois PCP offender who skipped jury trial, sentenced in absentia

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Authorities in Winnebago County have issued a warrant for the arrest of Jerry Hudgens, 43, after he was convicted in absentia for being an armed habitual criminal and sentenced to spend 16 years in prison.

According to Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley, Hudgens was convicted in a jury trial in December 2024 at which he did not appear.

South Beloit Police officers responded to a traffic accident on Gardner Street and I-90 on October 22nd, 2021, and said Hudgens was standing outside a black Ford van, looking at the tire. Officers said Hudgens was unintelligible when spoken to. Later, it was determined he was under the influence of PCP.

A search of Hudgens’ vehicle revealed he was in possession of a loaded firearm, which was found between the driver’s seat and the center console. Having been previously convicted of armed robbery and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in Cook County, Hudgens was legally forbidden from having a firearm.

He was convicted on charges of Armed Habitual Criminal, Driving Under the Influence, and Improper Lane Usage.

In addition to his 16-year sentence, Hudgens must also spend thee years on parole.

He is currently at large.