Peoria man charged with cocaine possession, home invasion

A 24-year-old Peoria man was arrested and charged in Fayette County Court with multiple charges, including felony cocaine possession and home invasion.

David M. Hicks appeared in court on Wednesday, Aug. 3, where probable cause was found. Hicks has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 1 felony, and a misdemeanor charge of battery with insulting and provoking.

According to charging documents filed with the Fayette County Circuit Clerk’s office, on Aug. 2, Hicks allegedly knew he had in his possession more than 15 but less than 100 grams of cocaine or a substance containing cocaine.

An additional charge was filed in court accusing Hicks of home invasion to cause injury, a Class X felony. According to charging documents, Hicks allegedly entered a home in the 100 block of North First Street in Vandalia and knowing a male victim to be at that dwelling, he gouged the victim’s eye and bit his left and right forearms.

Hicks has also been charged with a Class A misdemeanor charge of battery. The charging documents state that Hicks allegedly charged the victim and bit him several times, causing injury to the back as well as the back of the neck.

If convicted of Class X home invasion, Hicks may be sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for a prison term between six and 30 years. He could also receive another 4 to 15 year sentence on the Class 1 drug possession charge if he is found guilty.

Bond has been set for $50,000. A preliminary hearing for Hicks has been scheduled for Aug. 15.