Crime & Safety

Judge Denies Bond Increase in Murder-for-Hire Scheme

Judge Condon denies the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office $4 million bond increase for Stanley Helmer.

Judge Joseph Condon denied the state prosecutors’ petition to increase the bond of a Cary man accused of solicitation to commit murder-for-hire.

 Stanley J. Helmer, 58, of 6105 Del Miller Lane in Cary, appeared in the Woodstock court today for his bond hearing regarding the solicitation felony charges.

 In court proceedings, McHenry County State Assistant Attorney Dave Johnston said the state office wanted to make sure the court has all the facts and it’s not their goal to increase the bond amount but make sure the court assess the appropriate amount for the case.

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 The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s office petitioned to increased Helmer’s bond to $4 million but was denied by Condon, who is officially presiding over the case.

Condon said, “I think the bond is reasonable as it is.”

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Helmer posted 10 percent of both bails, $40,000 March 18 and $10,000 on March 22, according to McHenry County court records.

 Helmer has already been ordered to stay 250 feet away from the alleged target Randy Smith, who is the president and CEO of Midwest Woodwork and Veneering Inc. in Cary, had previously hired Helmer to do building work.

 But now, Helmer is ordered to stay away from his place of business, Stan Helmer Excavating-Septic located at 60 Detroit St. in Cary because its near Smith’s residence, according to Johnston.

 While Helmer was in jail regarding his solicitation charges, he allegedly solicited another inmate, offering him $1,000 to break the legs of the main witness in the first case.

 According to Johnston, the inmate immediately talked to law enforcement officials about details he and Helmer spoke about while in jail.

 Johnston said the judge at the first bond hearing did not know about the second solicitation incident, so Johnston wanted to make sure the court knew about the second set of charges.

Helmer next court date is schedule for 9:00 a.m. April 26 in Woodstock.


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