People v. Hancasky

An indictment returned to the September term, 1949, of the circuit court of Will County, jointly charged Robert J. Hancasky, Francis Ventura, Michael Sinchak, and John Koutras with the crime of forcible rape. On arraignment they pleaded not guilty and, after motions of the latter three for severance were denied, the cause came on for hearing October 10, 1949, with each of the defendants being represented by counsel of his own choice. Before a jury was completely chosen, each of the defendants changed his plea of not guilty to one of guilty. The court then heard evidence in aggravation and…