Police in Dixon say a local man's outrage over a massive data center project crossed the line from heated protest into criminal charges. Harley R. Delander, 28, was arrested Wednesday after authorities said he threatened a local economic-development official who has been promoting a large data center site outside Rock Falls. Investigators say Delander's communications, including emails and social media posts, raised concerns about the safety of the official and his family and triggered a criminal investigation. He was taken into custody outside his home and booked into the Lee County Jail.
Charges and police account
According to a news release from the Dixon Police Department, Delander faces felony counts of intimidation and stalking, including a cyberstalking charge. Investigators said his communications and actions "caused concern for the safety" of former state representative Tom Demmer and Demmer's family. The Lee County State's Attorney approved the charges, and Delander remains in custody, according to Sauk Valley Media. Dixon Police Chief Ryan Bivins said the department supports lawful protest but will investigate threats that make people fear for their safety.
Online posts and planned protest
Delander posted a TikTok video of his encounter with officers, and the clip has racked up about 250,000 views. He also said he organized a Facebook protest using an address he located online. Delander told reporters he emailed Demmer asking him to step back from involvement in the project and added the line, "if you know what's good for you and your family." After the arrest, Sterling-based attorney James Mertes said the defense will "carefully evaluate" the First Amendment questions raised by the case, according to Business Insider.
The land at the center of the dispute
At the heart of the controversy is a 387-acre parcel along Interstate 88 and U.S. Highway 30, just outside Rock Falls. The land is being marketed to potential data center operators by the Lee County Industrial Development Association and listing agent Peoples Company. The LCIDA listing notes that the property sits next to a ComEd substation and near the Nelson Energy Center, features that make the site appealing for power-hungry computing facilities, according to LCIDA. Nationwide, battles over water use, electricity demands, and local control have put large data center projects under a brighter spotlight, prompting new state-level reviews such as an executive order issued in Utah this month, according to KSL.
What happens next
The case has been handed to the Lee County State's Attorney, and Delander is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 10, with a public defender appointed, according to Sauk Valley Media. Dixon police reiterated that residents are free to protest, but that "threats, intimidation, stalking, or conduct that causes individuals or families to fear for their safety cross a serious line," Chief Bivins said, per WIFR. Delander's attorney has indicated that constitutional free speech arguments are likely to be central to the legal fight ahead.
