EDWARDSVILLE — An East Alton man was found guilty Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, of felony home invasion after prosecutors said he kicked his way into a sleeping couple’s East Alton home on July 4, 2025, and attacked one of the residents, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced.
Jesse E. Stewart, 42, was found guilty following a bench trial before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder, who issued the verdict. Stewart will be sentenced later. Home invasion, a Class X felony, is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
“People deserve to feel safe in their homes,” Haine said. “This was a frightening ordeal for two victims who were asleep in their own home when a stranger invaded that sense of security. This conviction is an important step in holding the perpetrator accountable.”
According to evidence and testimony, the couple awoke when they heard someone inside their home. The male resident grabbed a gun as the intruder entered the bedroom but did not fire it. The intruder and the male resident fought inside the home until police arrived and took Stewart into custody. The female resident had called 911.
Assistant State’s Attorney Morgan Hudson, chief of the Criminal Division, said in her closing argument that waking up to an intruder is “everyone’s worst fear.”
Hudson said the resident “had every right to shoot this defendant right then and there,” and Stewart is fortunate he wasn’t shot.
“For that he is incredibly lucky, and that is where his luck should end,” Hudson argued.
The case was prosecuted by Hudson and Assistant State’s Attorney Cole Bradshaw.
Haine commended the prosecution team and the East Alton Police Department.
“This could have ended very differently if not for the quick response by police,” Haine said.
Stewart remains in custody at the Madison County Jail.
