A Dixon County judge set a consolidated trial date of Jan. 20, 2026, for a multi-defendant conspiracy prosecution and gave defense lawyers a firm deadline for plea negotiations and motion practice.

Judge David Wolf told newly appointed counsel for several defendants that January 7 would be the last plea day before the mass trial date, and he instructed the parties to notify the court early about how many defendants would proceed to trial so the county can plan courtroom and venue logistics. The court also set a separate motion day for one defendant’s anticipated suppression motion in late February (February 27) after counsel said they needed extended time to draft and file motions.

Why it matters: The case involves a large number of codefendants. The court’s scheduling choices — a single January 20 trial window and a mid-January last-plea deadline — are intended to force resolution decisions early, help the prosecution and defense manage discovery and witness preparation, and allow the court to arrange for appropriate trial accommodations if many defendants proceed to trial.

What parties said: Counsel for several defendants asked for time to file motions to suppress or to coordinate representation; the judge allowed extended motion dates for those who sought them and appointed lead counsel where conflicts existed. The judge emphasized that if counsel asked for a trial date, the case would proceed to trial on that date unless counsel reached a plea agreement beforehand.

Next steps: Defendants who have not resolved their cases must be ready for trial on Jan. 20 or enter pleas by Jan. 7; attorneys handling suppression motions were given a February 27 motion hearing date and told to file motions promptly.

Speakers quoted or on record: Judge David Wolf; attorneys Lee Spratt and others; appointed counsel and several prosecutors were on the record about dates and motions.