Judge again denies Richmond travel request
A Lake County judge refused for the second time Monday to allow former Waukegan basketball standout Jereme Richmond to travel outside the state while he is on bond for a pair of felony charges.
Richmond’s attorney, Lawrence Wade, said his client has an opportunity to participate in a “workout” session with other prospective NBA players Oct. 1 in Los Angeles.
But Circuit Judge Daniel Shanes stood by his ruling last week in which he said Richmond must abide by all the rules for people on bond, one of which requires him to stay in Illinois.
Richmond, 19, is charged with aggravated battery for allegedly striking a 17-year-old woman on Aug. 7. He was arrested the following day outside the woman’s Waukegan house when police said he was in possession of a loaded handgun.
Richmond had a stellar basketball career at Waukegan High School, played for a year at the University of Illinois, then left for the NBA draft.
No team selected Richmond, who had disciplinary issues in high school and college, and many speculated he had tried to turn pro before he was ready.
Wade said Richmond has the opportunity to participate in workouts with other potential NBA players of the future Sept. 24 in Chicago and the following week in California.
Shanes said Richmond could take part in the Chicago event but would have to skip anything going on outside the state.
“The defendant is charged with two serious offenses,” Shanes said. “I am concerned that allowing him to leave the state would negatively impact the court’s ability to monitor his compliance with bond.”
Richmond pleaded not guilty to both offenses Sept. 14.
He remains free on $6,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 14.