Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Bobby Brandolino is the owner of Brandolino's Music Store in Shorewood along U.S. 52. He spent two days in jail last Halloween weekend. SHOREWOOD, IL — Joliet Patch's latest exclusive from the Will County Courthouse, revealing the recent plea bargain and criminal sentencing of Bobby Brandolino, the 52-year-old owner of Brandolino's Music Store in Shorewood, drew at least 350 comments from readers. This week, Patch revealed how Brandolino and his criminal defense lawyer, George Lenard, who is regarded as one of the best lawyers in all of Will County, worked out a plea bargain with the Will County State's Attorney's Office of Jim Glasgow. Six of Brandolino's criminal charges, including his felony charges of aggravated domestic battery, two counts of aggravated assault and three of his domestic battery charges were dismissed under the plea bargain. In return, Brandolino pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor crime of domestic battery. Brandolino won't have to serve any additional jail time under his sentencing terms. He was placed on court probation for the next 24 months by Associate Judge Tom Slazyk, a former long-time prosecutor for Glasgow, who was appointed a Will County judge about a year ago. Brandolino's sentencing story drew an immediate response on the Joliet Patch Facebook — which now tops 91,000 followers — as readers offered a variety of reactions to the plea agreement, the sentencing and the aftermath of Brandolino's conviction. Here's a sampling of comments offered by Joliet Patch's readers: "I'd like to know what led up to the incident," inquired Greg. "He gets violent. But you are trying to find a way to victim shame…. disgusting. He hit her. No other info required. She didn’t hit him. He hit her. You are as sick as him if you need more than that," responded Mary. "It doesn’t matter what led up to the incident, it’s the violent behavior and that cannot be excused away," agreed Barbara. "Read the article. There's enough info there to connect the dots. This guy should be locked up," suggested Linda. Wrote Neil: "Thank you to SA Glasgow for understanding domestic abuse and for attempting to hold Brandolino accountable. I pray for this man’s family. I believe they’re in grave danger and the judge needs to be held accountable for his egregious actions and ridiculous ruling." "It says in the article that the prosecution & defense made a deal to drop a bunch of charges if he pleads guilty. I'm confused how SA is trying to hold him accountable? Don't they have to sign off on all deals? Why make a deal? Throw the book at him," responded Michelle. "They have to know how the judges lean and until judges all understand abusive dynamics, prosecutors have to settle," Neil wrote her back. "Jim Glasgow is a fighter. I would bet that the failure was not on his end." Wrote Jeff: "You all don't know the story behind what happened. If you knew, you would have a completely different take on the truth." "Not one thing could make it ok to hit a woman in the head in front of his children and point a gun at his own son… seek help," Tracy answered back. "All those charges and not assault with a deadly weapon, endangering the life of a child or unlawful use of a weapon. The only charge gun related is the aggravated charge and it isn’t specific for a gun. What a weak ass way to charge him," Rob pointed out. "That was part of a plea bargain, his Top Notch Expensive Criminal Lawyer bartered for, it's disgusting. Well, at least the wife filed for divorce the same day, AFTER having her head wound stapled shut. So ... he can look forward to paying that, HE verbally attacked his 2 children, while holding the gun also. 16 & 12, The Safe-T Act WASN'T Meant for domestic violence cases, that Loophole needs fixed, asap," Yvonne wrote. "Don't support his business. It's the only way he will learn," Alane remarked. "His grandpa would turn over in his grave," Lisa replied back. "Sandy is his grandpa and started this business many, many years ago. He would disown him if he was still alive and seen it as a disrespect to the family and family name. Bobby is an asshole and a drunk who thinks his (crap) doesn’t stink and has money." "Plea bargaining is a problem. I spent 30 years in law enforcement and still don’t understand how it makes sense!" Michael wrote. "No jail time! Damn I need his lawyer," Ryan remarked. "That is what I said, I actually put the lawyer name in my phone," Donna wrote back.
