UPDATE: On March 21, 2013, Freeman was sentenced to 19 years in the Department of Corrections with 3 years parole. He currently has 710 days credit.

A motion to reconsider this sentence has been set for April 17, 2013.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WIFR) -- The Winnebago County State's Attorney announced today that 60-year-old Franklin Freeman was found guilty of Attempted Armed Robbery (Class 1 Felony), after a jury trial, in front of Judge John Truitt.

On April 11, 2011 Franklin Freeman attempted to rob the manager at the Citgo gas station at 4315 Auburn St. while brandishing a knife. This incident was witnessed by patrons of the Citgo gas station who chased and detained Freeman until police arrived.

Attempted Armed Robbery is a Class 1 Felony. Based on Freeman’s prior record he is Class X sentencing eligible, (6-30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by 3 years of mandatory supervised release.)

Judge Truitt set a sentencing hearing for January 3, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.