Murphy man sentenced for domestic battery, violating order

A Murphysboro man will spend time in prison on charges of domestic battery and violating an order of protection.

Jackson County State's Attorney Mike Carr says Joseph R. Hickam, 40, of Murphysboro, was sentenced Aug. 12.

On Oct. 22, 2019, Hickam pleaded guilty to the charges and was placed on court probation for 24 months.

On Jan. 10, Hickam was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for texting and calling the protected party of the order of protection as well as going to the protected party's residence. A petition to revoke hearing was held Feb. 24. Hickam was re-sentenced to 30 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections to be followed by a four-year period of parole.