Career criminal who targeted military vet gets extra time after courtroom fireworks
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – A Collinsville man convicted of twice breaking into a military veteran’s home and robbing him was sentenced to more than four decades in prison.
In December, a Madison County jury found Jaleen Gladney, 28, guilty of home invasion causing injury, home invasion while armed with a firearm, attempted residential burglary, and possession of a weapon by a felon.
On July 8 and 9, 2023, Gladney forced his way into a home on 24th Street in Granite City and saw more than he could grab in one visit. Prosecutors with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office said Gladney returned a few hours later for a second robbery. But this time, the victim thought it was the police at his door.
Gladney attacked the homeowner and pistol-whipped him, threatened to shoot the victim, and then stole money and property from the residence.
“We were just all in the house and next thing we know, he was knocking on our door, saying, ‘Hey, somebody broke into my house,’ so we called 911 for him and they showed up,” neighbor Shannon Williams said. “(Police) checked everything, left, and a couple hours later, he’s back at our door knocking, saying they broke into his house again.”
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Gladney was arrested days later, on July 11. Granite City police officers reportedly saw him back at the victim’s property a third time, peeking in the windows. Gladney was wearing a mask and carrying a handgun at the time of his arrest. He was also in possession of the victim’s cell phone.
Investigators suspected Gladney somehow knew the victim had money in his home. The victim, a 65-year-old veteran, had been saving money for an upcoming surgery.
“It was a very strong case. It was overwhelming, frankly. He represented himself. He thought he was smarter than the system and he was proven wrong, and he was proven wrong in front of a jury of his peers,” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said.
Gladney appeared before a judge at Monday’s sentencing, often mumbling as he called the judge and prosecutors liars. He said he’s been lied about during five previous convictions.
In the end, the judge sentenced Gladney to 42 years in prison for the four felony counts, including two counts of home invasion. The judge also added an additional six months in prison for contempt of court after repeatedly warning Gladney that he had to follow court rules.
“He has no employment history. He has been doing residential burglaries his entire life adult life and so – it is sad, but it’s not surprising,” Haine said.
FOX 2 could not reach the victim, but his neighbor said he’ll be relieved by today’s outcome.
“That’s great to hear. At least he’s not going to be out here harming anybody else,” Williams said.
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