Preliminary hearings for two Sesser men pushed back to February

By Jim Muir

Preliminary hearings for two Sesser men charged in separate crimes have been reset for February.

Norman Dwayne Risley, 59, and Michael Romani, 45, were both scheduled for preliminary hearings in Franklin County Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon.  Romani’s hearing has been rescheduled for Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. and Risley’s was reset for Feb. 20, also at 1:30 p.m.

Both men are represented by attorney Jason Drew, a partner with Drew & Drew Attorneys, in Benton.  In asking for the continuance Drew told Judge Tom Tedeschi that he needed the extra time for preparation for both cases.

Risley is facing a variety of charges including making bombs and other explosive devices and solicitation of a child.  Risley was taken into custody on December 21, 2012 and is facing four felony charges that first originated following an investigation by Sesser police.  Risley is charged with one count of unlawful possession of explosives, one count of unlawful use of weapons, one count of indecent solicitation of a child and an additional single count of sexual exploitation of a child.

Sesser police say they were working on a tip and were investigating the allegations involving the minor child when they gained entry through a search warrant to Risley’s residence and uncovered the cache of explosives that included 11 separate explosive devices (pipe bombs), explosive compounds and 16 blasting caps. The charges allege that Risley “intended to use the explosive devices to commit a felony.”

The charge of indecent solicitation of a child alleges that Risley approached a child under the age of 17 and “discussed and solicited the child to perform an an act of sexual penetration.”

Risley’s bond was set at $750,000.  He posted $75,000 cash bail last week and was released.

Romani is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Sesser bar fight on Dec. 27, 2012 that left 56-year-old John Franklin dead.  Romani was initially charged with aggravated battery but an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter was added on Dec. 31.  Both charges are a Class 3 felony that carry a maximum sentence of 2-5 years in prison and a minimum sentence of probation.

Franklin died of trauma injuries to the head following an altercation with Romani. The fight took place at the The Bank of Sesser Lounge, located on Sesser’s business district. The bar has since reopened following the fatal fight.

Franklin was pronounced dead at Franklin Hospital after the fight and Romani turned himself into Franklin County authorities a short time later.

Romani’s bond was set at $200,000 and he posted $20,000 cash bail and was released.