Public defender appointed for kidnapping suspect

An Illinois woman was appointed a public defender Tuesday and scheduled for a July 30 arraignment on charges she kidnapped a newborn boy last week in rural Union County.

Karen Nichols, 44, faces charges of aggravated kidnapping of a child younger than 13 and armed robbery, both Class X felonies, and aggravated unlawful restraint, a Class 3 felony, online court records show.

Nichols, also known as Karen S. Casper, was arrested Friday at her home in rural Anna, Ill., according to a news release from Union County State's Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds.

A Johnston City, Ill., woman reported the kidnapping of her newborn child Friday from a location in rural Union County, prompting an investigation, the news release stated.

At the time Nichols was arrested, officers found a child who was taken into protective custody before being reunited with his mother, according to the news release.

A probable-cause affidavit filed in the case stated Nichols "knowingly and secretly confined B.M.S., a child under the age of 13 years, against his will."

She also took two mobile phones from another woman while threatening her with a knife, the affidavit stated.

At a hearing Tuesday morning, Nichols was appointed a public defender and set for arraignment at 9 a.m. July 30, the Union County circuit clerk's office reported.

Nichols was being held at the Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro, Ill., on $500,000 bond.

According to the Illinois General Assembly's website, Class X felonies are punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Class 3 felonies are punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent addresses:

Anna, IL

Murphysboro, IL