Beating victim Jorge Perez returns to work

Marlene Kellerman told the Du Quoin Evening Call last week that Jorge Perez, an April 2, 2012 victim of a beating at the hands of a fellow employee, has returned to work at Kellerman Powder Coating north of Du Quoin.

His return to work comes almost one year to the day that the beating took place.

After a painstaking year for all concerned, she said it was great to see him return to work.

Shannon Wallace, then 28, of Tamaroa, pleaded guilty to reckless conduct and sentenced to three years in prison last November. The deal came with the recommendation that he be sent to a boot camp.

A charge of aggravated battery was dropped.

Perez was left with major brain injuries. The two men worked at Kellerman's Powder Coating. During the confrontation, Wallace put Perez in a choke-hold then dropped him on the floor, causing a head injury.