Northern Illinois University student charged with aggravated stalking

SYCAMORE – A 20-year-old Northern Illinois University student accused of stalking and causing emotional distress to a woman was released from jail Wednesday on his own recognizance.

Jake Swick, of the 900 block of Greenbrier Road, was arrested on a warrant at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday after a fellow student reported that he followed her in his car while she was walking on campus, stopped within 500 feet of her, stuck his head out the window and even circled the block, passing her multiple times, court documents show.

The fellow student reported to the DeKalb Police Department that Swick’s class was not in the area where she was walking. When police contacted Swick, he refused to talk to authorities in person, claiming he was in class and studying, according to court documents.

A follow-up call to Swick’s teacher revealed he hasn’t been in class since spring break, according to court documents.

Swick, whose recognizance bond was set at $25,000 Wednesday, has five pending violation of order or protection charges, and also is charged with breaking into the fellow student’s apartment March 4, court records show.

They add that the student experienced emotional distress and fear for her safety.

If Swick is convicted of the most serious offense he faces, aggravated stalking, he could face three to five years in prison.

His next court appearance will be at 9 a.m. June 2.