(Lake County, IL) On December 5, 2025, a jury convicted Kaleb Brown, 23, of one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm in connection to a 2022 shooting at a Dollar General store in Waukegan.   

The jury trial began Monday, December 1, lasting five days. Prosecutors Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg, Scott Hoffert, and Mary Vukovich called approximately 30 witnesses. 

On February 4, 2022, Waukegan Police Officers responded to the Dollar General on Grand Ave, after a 19-year-old employee was shot in the face while attempting to prevent a shoplifting suspect from re-entering the store. The victim sustained severe facial injuries and was transported to a hospital where he survived after undergoing medical treatment.  

Following further investigation, detectives identified Brown as the individual responsible. Brown was charged with one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. He was taken into custody on July 14 and transported to the Lake County Jail where he has remained leading up to the trial.  

During closing arguments, Ms. Kalcheim Rothenberg said, “A hard-working young man was trying to do his job, and the defendant shot him in the face for it.”

After the verdict, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart stated, "Our experienced Violent Crimes Unit prosecutors, along with our investigators, victim specialists, and support staff have once again secured justice for the victim who endured a senseless, violent attack. Now, this offender has been held accountable and will face the full consequences of his actions at sentencing.” 

Aggravated Battery with a Firearm carries a sentencing range of 6-30 years in the Department of Corrections to be served at 85%.  

Brown’s next court date is scheduled for January 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., for Status on post-trial motions.