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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Convicted murderer's business plan irreparably harmed by early release, suit says

Christopher Holly

An O'Fallon man who served five years of a 20-year sentence over a 1999 Cook County homicide filed suit against the state Prison Review Board (PRB) because he is being forced to serve a two-year term of mandatory supervised release (MSR) even though his plea agreement did not include MSR.

Christopher Holly, who pled guilty to concealing a homicide and second degree murder on May 22, 2002, claims his constitutional rights are being violated because the MSR arrangement precludes him from having contact with Illinois Department of Corrections inmates.

Holly, who now resides at 116 East Jackson Street in O'Fallon, claims he has suffered and will continue to suffer the loss of potential clients, loss of potential income, as well as irreparable harm and extreme emotional distress because his business plan was to provide legal assistance to inmates who filed pro se lawsuits via power of attorney.

Holly started a home-based business called Pro Se Paralegal Services Inc. after his release.

According to Holly's suit filed Aug. 8, the trial judge entered a maximum sentence of 15 years for the murder and five years for concealment and the sentences were to be served consecutively.

He was released from prison on June 21, serving only five years and was placed on release by the PRB.

Holly alleges his constitutional rights have been substantially violated because the PRB breached the plea agreement he had with the state of Illinois because the signed sentencing order does not include MSR.

He also claims his rights are being violated because a condition of his MSR requires electronic home detention.

He seeks a judgment that finds his first, sixth and fourteenth amendment rights are being violated, as well as compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees.

In the past year, Holly has filed 13 suits in federal court, all alleging his civil rights have been violated in different ways.

The case has been assigned to District Judge William Stiehl.

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