An 8-time DUI offender was sentenced to a 15-year prison term Thursday in Iroquois Circuit Court.  60-year-old Rodney Hamrick of Cissna Park was convicted by an Iroquois County jury last October for aggravated driving under the influence.  Judge Gordon Lustfeldt imposed the sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Kara Macz.  Hamrick was represented by attorney Ron Boyer.

The case stems from Hamrick's 2009 arrest when he ran through a construction zone near Cissna Park, damaging equipment and puting work crews at serious risk of injury. Construction crews were among those who testified for the state during the trial.

Hamrick fled the area after posting bond in the case. He was absent for six years, until he was arrested at his mother's home in Cissna Park.  During his absence, Hamrick also had DUI cases against him in Indiana and Kentucky.  

Hamrick was facing between 6-30 years due to his extensive record.  The state requested the court impose a 20-year term.

94.1 WGFA