GRANITE CITY/EDWARDSVILLE – A Granite City man was sentenced Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to 15 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of breaking into an ex-girlfriend’s home in Granite City and attacking a police officer who responded, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Associate Judge Emily Nielsen sentenced Victor S. Dantzson, 52, to the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to Haine’s announcement. Dantzson previously was convicted of residential burglary, aggravated battery and threatening a public official.
Evidence at trial showed that on March 4, 2025, Dantzson used a screwdriver to break into the home of an ex-girlfriend in Granite City. The woman was not home at the time, but returned and found Dantzson inside her bedroom.
When a police officer responded to the scene, Dantzson kicked the officer and threatened to kill him, according to trial evidence.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial showed the woman had become fearful of Dantzson and had taken measures to keep him away from her home, including changing locks and setting traps inside the residence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Morgan Hudson, chief of the criminal division at the State’s Attorney’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Gina McNabnay.
At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Hudson asked the judge to impose a 30-year prison sentence, citing Dantzson’s extensive criminal history and the nature of the crime. Nielsen imposed a 15-year sentence.
Haine also commended the Granite City Police Department and the prosecution team.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788 or visit TheHotline.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
