FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES PIKE COUNTY PRISONER’S LAWSUIT FOR NOW

PITTSFIELD, Illinois — A federal judge has dismissed, for now, a lawsuit filed by a state prisoner against the city of Pittsfield, Pike County and several current and former county prosecutors.

John Resor, 36, of Quincy, was convicted in Pike County in 2022 of aggravated domestic battery and two counts of aggravated battery. The two aggravated battery convictions later were vacated by an appellate court after judges found that Resor’s attorney provided representation that fell below an objective standard of reasonableness.

Resor alleged that prosecutors improperly used three aggravated battery charges to extend the 120-day speedy-trial period. He sought $20,000 for each charge he considered illegal and another $20,000 for each allegedly wrongful conviction.

The federal judge ruled that prosecutors generally are immune from lawsuits involving actions performed as part of their official prosecutorial duties.

The dismissal does not necessarily end the case. Resor has 30 days to seek permission to file an amended complaint if he believes he can present a legally valid claim.