Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Prison for Lake Jacksonville Brawl
Bryant D. Lynch receives three-year prison term after guilty plea
Jacksonville, Illinois, United States — A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a violent incident at Lake Jacksonville last year.
Bryant D. Lynch, 37, of the 700 block of North Main Street, pleaded guilty on September 23, 2025, in Morgan County Circuit Court to a Class 2 felony charge of aggravated battery of a peace officer. The plea was entered before Circuit Judge Christopher Reif. Other charges, including domestic battery and resisting a peace officer, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Details of the 2024 brawl
The incident occurred on October 13, 2024, when Jacksonville Police were dispatched to Lake Jacksonville following reports of a brawl involving approximately two dozen people at Point 9. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers separated the group and arrested Lynch for his actions during the confrontation. According to the police report, Lynch struck his girlfriend, causing visible injuries, and became combative with officers during the arrest.
Court proceedings and sentence
After entering his guilty plea, Lynch was sentenced by Judge Reif to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition, he will serve one year of mandatory supervised release following his prison term. The court also imposed a $500 fine. Lynch received credit for three days already served in the Morgan County Jail.
The sentencing concludes the legal proceedings stemming from the October 2024 incident at Lake Jacksonville. Authorities emphasized that the case involved multiple arrests, but Lynch was the only individual sentenced in this specific matter following his guilty plea.
Community and legal context
Lake Jacksonville has seen occasional public disturbances requiring police intervention, and this incident highlights the enforcement of state laws concerning assaults on peace officers. Law enforcement officials responded promptly to control the situation and ensure public safety during the brawl.