A Richmond man, who is a convicted felon, has been denied pre-trial release after police found him in possession of an “arsenal” of dozens of loaded weapons hidden in his home.
Jerome N. Ruckdeschel, 66, of Richmond, was charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm, a Class 2 felony.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Ruckdeschel was found in possession of numerous handguns, long guns and shotguns Tuesday evening by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.
Court documents said Ruckdeschel “built up an arsenal of weapons.”
Dozens of guns with loaded magazines inserted were found hidden all over his house in the 9900 block of Clark Road in Richmond, court documents said.
Hundreds of rounds of ammunition were also found.
Ruckdeschel is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess firearms, the complaint said.
McHenry County Judge Carl Metz granted a petition filed by the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office to detain Ruckdeschel pending trial.
Metz said Ruckdeschel poses a threat to the community and no conditions of release could mitigate the risk.
The judge, citing a probable cause statement, said a massive force would be needed to sweep Ruckdeschel’s property and home to ensure there were no more weapons inside.
“But even then given that the weapons and ammunition were found in hidden walls and jackets the court cannot be satisfied that all weapons and ammunition will be removed,” Metz said.
Ruckdeschel remains held in the McHenry County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday.