After Two Attorneys, McDonald’s Robbery Suspect Now Represents Himself

A suspect in the robbery of the now-closed McDonald’s restaurant in Fairbury has waived his right to counsel and has opted to represent himself in court.Marzeanis Coleman, age 34, of Lincoln, appeared in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, November 2, 2023, in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. While the defendant is representing himself, he did have appointed standby counsel, attorney Lee Timan.While a defendant has the right to self-representation, courts often appoint standby counsel, sometimes called advisory counsel, a lawyer who assists the defendant with navigating the legal system.The defendant is facing five charges: robbery, a class 2 felony punishable by one to 50 years in prison; first degree assault, also a class 2 felony; possession of a stolen firearm, a class 2A felony punishable by 20 years in prison; operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, a class 4 felony punishable by up to two years in prison, 12 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine; and first offense reckless driving, a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by three months in jail, a $500 fine and up to a year license revocation.The alleged offense took place the evening of Saturday, April 16, 2022.Coleman was originally represented by Public Defender Scott Gropp. However, on September 7, 2023, asked Judge Bargen to remove Gropp and assign a different attorney. The judge denied the motion.At a hearing the following week, September 14, the defendant indicated he had obtained new counsel, attorney Dustin Garrison, who had filed a Motion for Discovery. However, Garrison later filed a motion to withdraw, which was granted on October 12.The judge granted Coleman's motion to proceed pro se, meaning he represents himself.Coleman has filed a number of motions to be addressed by the court. While Coleman is representing himself, Timan did most of the talking.“I think the two issues that Mr. Coleman will be challenging are some Miranda issues in regards to the statements that are claimed he's been given, like the statements that he gave a law enforcement that he believes should be suppressed,” said Timan. “As well as identification.”Timan said, “He's challenging whether law enforcement did a proper procedure for getting that identification.”Coleman also indicated his belief that his right to a speedy trial had been violated. He had previously made such a claim in October of 2022 and again in January of 2023.Another hearing to address these and other motions is scheduled for December 7, 2023.The defendant remains in custody as of press time.

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