Jereme Richmond arraigned; judge denies out-of-state travel - Chicago Sun-Times

Updated: September 14, 2011 11:45AM

Former Waukegan High School basketball star Jereme Richmond on Wednesday denied charges of aggravated battery and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Richmond appeared before Lake County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Shanes for arraignment.

Shanes denied a request by defense attorney James Schwarzbach made on behalf of Richmond to allow the 19-year-old to travel out of state to several cities because he is being recruited by NBA teams.

"This is a young man from this locality," Schwarzbach said. "To not allow him back in [the basketball] court is a different punishment." Schwarzbach said his client had no prior felonies and "promises" to return for all future court dates.

Shanes denied the request. He did grant a court date for Sept. 19 to get details about which recruiters in which cities want to meet with Richmond. Shanes said he wanted to hear details about how Richmond would get to and from meetings with recruiters.

He is accused of driving to his girlfriend's Waukegan residence on Aug. 7 with the intention of beating her father up, Assistant State's Attorney Victor O'Block said. Richmond allegedly beat the female and then returned the following day making threats, O'Block said.

Police found a loaded .40-caliber handgun that was uncased and ready to use, O'Block said.

His trial is scheduled for Oct. 31.