SPRINGFIELD — A former Springfield aldermanic candidate and financial advisor pleaded guilty to endangering the life or health of a child in Sangamon County court April 16.
David Yankee was sentenced to two years probation by Seventh Circuit Court Judge Jack Davis.
Yankee was facing two to 10 years in prison, though he was probation eligible.
The case involved the March 16, 2024, drowning death of 7-year-old Barrett Koches, who was in the foster care of Yankee and his husband, Michael.
The death occurred at an in-ground pool at Yankee’s home in the 2300 block of Winnebago Drive in the Indian Hills subdivision.
Yankee was sentenced to 180 days in the Sangamon County Jail, though that is subject to review. Yankee was liable for fines, fees and costs of around $1,000.
Yankee also pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of endangering the life or health of a child involving Koches’ then 4-year-old brother and a 10-year-old, also both foster children.
Yankee and his husband were “indicated” by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in the summer of 2024. An “indication” means credible evidence supports an allegation of child abuse or neglect. That ruling resulted in the two children being removed from the home.
Koches’ mother, Jamie Hartman, was in the courtroom for the sentencing.
Yankee, a financial advisor with Cornerstone Financial Services, ran unsuccessfully for Springfield Ward 4 alderman in 2023. Yankee finished third behind Larry Rockford and Jason Ratts. Rockford won the seat which was being vacated by retiring city council member John Fulgenzi.
Yankee was represented by Daniel Fultz and Mark Wykoff of Springfield. Assistant State’s Attorney Kendra Hansel handled the prosecution.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Former Springfield aldermanic candidate pleads guilty in drowning death
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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