URBANA — A former University of Illinois football player had his bond reduced by $100,000 and will be allowed to head home to Ohio in between court appearances.
On Wednesday, Judge Tom Difanis agreed to reduce bond for Howard Watkins from $150,000 to $50,000.
The judge also granted permission for Watkins to leave the state of Illinois to go to his home in Ohio.
However, Difanis is forbidding Watkins to have contact with his victim or his co-defendants.
Watkins, 18, who listed an address at Bromley Hall at 910 S. Third St., C, was charged with residential burglary and aggravated robbery in what he and his co-defendants claimed to be a prank on a fellow dormitory resident.