Sheriff: Convicted child molester stabs himself in courtroom after verdict

Posted on July 18, 2018

 

Icard
Convicted child molester Johnny Icard, 78, reportedly pulled out a folding knife and stabbed himself in the stomach after the jury returned its guilty verdict. (McLean County Jail photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Sheriff’s Police are investigating how an elderly man on trial for child molestation was able to bring into the courtroom a knife that he used to stab himself Wednesday afternoon.

The jury that convicted Johnny Icard,78, for sexual assault had already left the courtroom. Trial Judge Casey Costigan had just revoked Icard’s bond and ordered him jailed when Sheriff Jon Sandage said Icard pulled out a folding knife with a 3 1/2 inch blade and stabbed himself in the abdomen.

Sandage would not comment on Icard’s condition, but the sheriff said Icard is being treated at an undisclosed local hospital.

Icard, who was free on bond during the trial, had to pass through a metal detector in the Law and Justice Center’s lobby. Sandage said the investigation will include a review of security procedures.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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