LAKE IN THE HILLS – The man charged in the anti-LGBTQ vandalism at UpRising Bakery has plead guilty to a felony hate crime charge.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Joseph Collins was charged in last year’s attack on the Lake in the Hills business.
UpRising became the target of vandalism and harassment after advertising for a family-friendly drag brunch. The attack was the first high-profile attack on LGBTQ activities in the Chicago suburbs and the most violent last year. The bakery became the focus of almost constant protests and fights to stay open. It shut its doors in May 2023 after struggling to maintain sales and find landlords willing to rent to the owners.
According to the newspaper, Collins was sentenced to 180 days in McHenry County Jail, which could be shortened with good behavior. The sentence also includes 200 hours of community service and two years of probation. He will also pay $1,400 in court fines and $2,300 in restitution. After release, Collins will have to get a mental health and anger management evaluation.
UpRising owner Corinna Sac Bailey told the Tribune the attack caused thousands in damage to the store and ingredients. Other businesses stopped working with them because of “safety concerns.”
“It was devastating. Our whole life was that bakery. We gave everything we had to it as a family. All of our savings, all of our work together, collectively,” Sac said.
The family has now filed for bankruptcy in the wake of the losses and closure of the bakery.
“None of those people who did this to us are going to pay for anything for my children for the next year,” Sac said. “Me and my husband have to rebuild everything from the ground up ourselves, without credit.”
She told the Tribune that she requested the judge give Collins the minimum possible sentence in hopes that he can change.
“I do not wish to cause Mr. Collins hardship in his future, as he has caused me,” she said.
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