The following is a joint release issued by the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that bond has been set for a Bellwood man accused of illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
John Templeton, 47 (d.o.b. 6/12/1976) of the 2700 block of St. Charles Road, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Mia McPherson set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Templeton is charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal, a Class X Felony.
The Armed Habitual Criminal charge is based on Templeton’s criminal history, which includes two convictions for Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, both Class 2 Felonies. He faces a possible penalty of between six and thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if convicted.
On June 28, 2023, at approximately 6:43PM, a Naperville police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired license plates allegedly driven by Templeton. During the course of the traffic stop, it is alleged that the officer found in the vehicle a loaded Glock 48 9mm handgun with one round in the chamber.
“The law is very clear on this, as a convicted felon, Mr. Templeton is forbidden from possessing a gun,” Berlin said. “I thank the Naperville Police Department for their heads-up work not only on this case, which resulted in removing an illegal weapon from the streets, but also for their continued efforts in public safety. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Kelsey Kerr and Sara Henley for their efforts on this case.”
“I am extremely proud and thankful for the continued proactive work that our officers engage in to keep this city safe, which in this case removed a firearm from the street,” Arres said. “In addition to the great work of the officers involved with this, I would also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his assistants for their efforts and partnership.”
Templeton’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 27, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge McPherson.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
