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Archive for the ‘ILLINOIS’ Category
Former Oak Lawn Illinois Police Officer Steve Harrison, Out On Bail For Robbing Motorists, Arrested On Drug Charges
July 3rd, 2008
OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS - Former Oak Lawn police officer Steve Harrison has again been arrested — this time on a drug charge.
According to reports, on June 20, Harrison was seen by a Chicago police officer allegedly making a drug exchange, with money, on the 4700 block of West Lake Street in Chicago.
Harrison was arrested and charged with a felony for possession of a controlled substance.
Harrison was the officer who was arrested in October of 2007 for allegedly extorting money from Hispanic drivers on their way to work in Alsip.
Harrison allegedly pulled the drivers over and told them they could pay him money or go to jail.
Oak Lawn police found ticket stubs that Harrison allegedly used as receipts that he gave to the Hispanic drivers.
Harrison’s bail is set at $55,000 after a judge added $5,000 to the bail because Harrison was arrested for the drug charge when he was on bond from the extortion charge.
Read MoreMcLean County Illinois Circuit Judge Charles Reynard Gives Bloomington Residential Counselor Sara F. Thompson A Tiny Slap On The Wrist After She Sexually Assaulted A Young Girl
July 2nd, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS - A former residential counselor accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl at Chestnut Health Systems was sentenced Monday to 30 months probation and ordered to complete sex offender treatment.
Sara F. Thompson, 27, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in February to one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a girl between late November and early December 2007. Thompson worked as a part-time employee for about two months before the incident.
According to Chestnut officials, Thompson was fired following the alleged inappropriate contact, which took place during a “movie night” at the facility.
McLean County Circuit Judge Charles Reynard agreed to allow Thompson to serve her probation term in Cook County, where she has moved. The importance of recommended treatment was emphasized by the judge.
“I expect the defendant to get involved in sex offender treatment – that means immediately,” said Reynard.
Read MoreLawyer Attacks Jailed Waukegan Illinois Police Officer Delatwon Haynes’ Rape Victim - How Could A Cop Possibly Rape A Heroin Addict?
July 2nd, 2008
WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS -A lawyer for the former Waukegan police officer accused of raping a woman while on duty said today that the alleged victim is not credible.
Citing information received from an internal investigation against Delatwon Haynes, defense attorney Joel Brodsky said some of the victim’s statements should not be taken seriously, because she might have been on drugs while being interviewed by police.
The Waukegan Police Department’s official complaint against Haynes, obtained by the News-Sun, says that while speaking to officers about the alleged rape, the victim had to excuse herself because she was a heroin addict and she needed to “take care of herself and she would be back.” She returned to the police department after an hour, and an interview with internal investigators continued.
“What we know, is that she was certainly on heroin on at least half her statement. How reliable is a heroin addict?” Brodsky said.
Read MoreMatteson Illinois Police Officer Suspended And Under Investigation For Sexually Assaulting Woman At Police Department
July 2nd, 2008
MATTESON, ILLINOIS - Illinois State Police are investigating allegations that a Matteson police officer sexually assaulted a woman in the department’s lockup June 19, according to a memo to village officials from Police Chief Norm Brunson.
The accused officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, and no charges have been filed, the memo said.
The memo, written by Brunson to Mayor Mark Stricker and shared with trustees, indicates the alleged assault was preceded by the woman’s arrest for drunken driving about 4 a.m.
The woman was processed at the station, posted bond, was released at 6:05 a.m., and checked into St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields about 11:30 a.m., according to the memo.
It said that during preliminary treatment, she told a nurse that a Matteson police officer had sexually assaulted her at the department.
Two Matteson officers later interviewed the woman and submitted a report, according to the memo.
Read MoreMan Convicted Of Robbing 5 Banks After Breaking Out Of Cook County Illinois Jail
June 30th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A man accused of breaking out of the Cook County Jail wearing a stolen guard’s uniform was convicted Monday of robbing five banks in Chicago’s Loop — including one heist while wearing the lifted uniform.
Randy Rencher, 39, looked on blank faced as the jury convicted him after only two hours of deliberation. Prosecutors said he faces a potential sentence of 32 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced Sept. 26.
Rencher admitted three times that he was the robber, witnesses said. Police found a money wrapper from one of the robberies in his room, along with $6,000, and Rencher’s picture was captured on bank video.
Victimized bank tellers also took the stand to identify him.
“They were very clear that they had seen the bank robber, had memorized his face and were able to identify him,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Siskel, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney M. David Weisman, told reporters after the verdict.
Read MoreFormer Bolingbrook Illinois Police Officer Drew Peterson’s Son Testifies Before Grand Jury Amid Investigation Into The Death Of His Father’s 3rd Wife
June 30th, 2008
WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS - Drew Peterson’s 15-year-old son has testified before a Will County grand jury investigating the 2004 death of his mother, Kathleen Savio, and the Oct. 28 disappearance of his stepmother, Stacy Peterson.
Thomas Peterson gave his testimony Thursday.
For months, the grand jury has been investigating the death of Savio, who was found dead in an empty bathtub only weeks before her divorce from Peterson would have become final.
Her death was originally ruled an accident, but authorities reopened their investigation after Peterson’s fourth wife, Stacy, disappeared and Peterson was named a suspect in that case. In February, Will County State’s Atty. James Glasgow said Savio had been murdered.
Drew Peterson said by phone Thursday that he was concerned that the grand jury had been grilling his son for four hours.
Jailed And Suspended Veteran Gurnee Illinois Police Officer Jay Simon Indicted For Child Molestation After Attacks On 2 Young Girls - Also Charged With Unlawful Restraint And Assault In Another Incident
June 28th, 2008
GURNEE, ILLINOIS - A Lake County grand jury has indicted a Gurnee police officer on nine felonies, including five counts of predatory criminal sex assault of a child.
Jay Simon, a six-year veteran of the Gurnee Police Department, was indicted Wednesday on charges stemming from an early June arrest.
In addition to the five counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, the jury also returned indictments on one count of aggravated criminal sex abuse and two counts of official misconduct.
The 36-year-old Round Lake Beach father of three was arrested by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office on allegations that he sexually assaulted two girls under 13 in 2006 and 2007.
He’s also been charged with unlawful restraint and aggravated assault stemming from a separate incident with a 35-year-old male victim.
Read MoreFormer Oak Lawn Illinois Police Officer Steven Harrison, Previous Accused Of Robbing Motorists, Arrested While Buying Heroin
June 28th, 2008
OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS - A former Oak Lawn police officer accused of misconduct for allegedly extorting money from motorists during traffic stops is in trouble with the law again after a recent drug arrest.
Steven Harrison, 26, was arrested the evening of June 20 when a Chicago police officer witnessed him exchanging cash for several packets of heroin in the 4700 block of West Lake Street, police said.
Harrison was charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held in lieu of $55,000 bail, according to the Cook County state’s attorney’s office. On Friday, Judge Rosemary Grant Higgins tacked on another $5,000 for violating a $100,000 bail in the misconduct case by his new arrest.
The judge ordered Harrison, should he post bail, to seek treatment immediately for drug abuse.
Harrison’s attorney, Brian Barrett, declined to comment about his client’s alleged drug use.
Read MoreWaukegan Illinois Police Officer Delatwon A. Haynes Arrested, Suspended, Jailed On $2 Million Bond, Charged With On Duty Rape Of Female Pedestrian
June 24th, 2008
WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS - A north suburban police officer is in Lake County Jail on Tuesday after he was charged with restraining a woman and forcing her to perform sexual acts against her will in January.
Delatwon A. Haynes, 32, of Waukegan, was order held on $2 million bond Monday, according to a release from the Lake County Sheriff’s office. Haynes, who resigned from the Waukegan Police Dept. on Jan. 11, was charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and eight counts of official misconduct on Monday.
The charges were filed as a result of an investigation prompted by a complaint filed on Jan. 7 by a woman reporting that an officer restrained her against her will and forced her to perform sexual acts, the release said.
Read MoreFamily Makes The Mistake Of Calling Trigger-Happy Chicago Illinois Police For Help - Dead Man’s Wife Can’t Figure Out Why They Shot And Killed Her Husband
June 24th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A woman whose husband died in a police shooting two days ago was still puzzled and angered by the officer’s actions. CBS 2’s Mai Martinez spoke exclusively to the widow.
“They came on a domestic (disturbance). We ended up with a death, and four officers that I totally think don’t really know what happened themselves,” said Callie Cooks.
The bullet holes at her home told the story of the firefight between Chicago police officers and Darius Nicholson. When the shooting stopped Sunday night, Nicholson lay dead in his bed.
Cooks said she called police to the home she shared with Nicholson after he suddenly became violent with her; something she said was completely out of character for the normally loving father and grandfather.
“If I only knew what went on in that room that precipitated them to fire that many shots into a room with one man,” Cooks said.
Read More7 Chicago Illinois Police Officers Involved In Shootings In Past 12 Days, 2 Men Shot And Killed Over Weekend
June 23rd, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Chicago Police were involved in two deadly shootings over the weekend, bringing the total number of police-involved shootings to seven in just the past 12 days.
As CBS 2’s Joanie Lum reports, the first shooting happened in the early morning hours Sunday in the 2300 block of East 85th Street. Shapell Terrell, 39, was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m. at the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Police said two guns were recovered from the scene, and they said Terrell was armed.
Relatives said the man police shot was at a gathering of toddlers and teenagers, herding them inside and getting ready to go to work after spending time enjoying the nice weather. Relatives also claimed the shooting was unjustified.
Read MoreMurder Victim’s Family Members Charged After Seeking Justice That Cook County Court Couldn’t Provide
June 22nd, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ― A man and a woman could each serve five year in prison after they were allegedly involved in a melee that broke out in a Cook County courtroom last month after a not guilty verdict was announced in a 2007 murder case.
Antwand Brown and Marsha Clay were indicted Friday on two counts each of aggravated battery to a police officer, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin. The charge is a Class 3 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.
Brown and Clay were allegedly involved in a fight on May 28 that broke out in Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford’s courtroom, Room 307 of the Criminal Courthouse at 2600 S. California Ave., after the defendant in a murder case was acquitted, according to Cook County Sheriff’s Dept. spokeswoman Penny Mateck.
Read MoreAuthoritarian Freak Crestwood Illinois Police Chief Tim Sulikowski Quits
June 21st, 2008
CRESTWOOD, ILLINOIS - The Crestwood police chief under fire for the December arrest of a mother who briefly left her toddler in a parked car while her other children donated money at a Salvation Army kettle has resigned.
Crestwood Mayor Robert Stranczek said Friday he doesn’t know why Police Chief Tim Sulikowski decided to leave but said “absolutely not” when asked if it was related to the fallout from the arrest of Ellen “Treffly” Coyne.
“We had a good discussion and I think a lot of the chief,” Stranczek said. “He was very dedicated, and we wish him the best.”
Coyne’s arrest drew national attention, setting off an intense debate on the Internet. Misdemeanor child endangerment and obstruction of justice charges against Coyne were dropped in March after prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence.
Read MoreAuthoritarian Freak Crestwood Illinois Police Chief Tim Sulikowski Expected To Quit
June 20th, 2008
CRESTWOOD, ILLINOIS - Crestwood Police Chief Tim Sulikowski is expected to step down today, but whether he is being forced out or is leaving voluntarily is unclear.
Sulikowski, who started as a part-time officer and spent the past two years as chief, came under fire late last year for his department’s handling of a case that drew worldwide attention.
On Dec. 8, his officers arrested Treffly Coyne, a Tinley Park mother of three, and charged her with child endangerment for leaving her then-2-year-old daughter asleep in her car outside Wal-Mart while she and two other daughters walked several feet away to put $8.29 in change into a Salvation Army kettle.
Coyne additionally was charged with obstructing a police officer, another misdemeanor.
The criminal case against Coyne never went to trial, as the Cook County state’s attorney’s office dropped the charges 97 days later.
Read MoreDisgraced Elgin Illinois Police Officer Chris Darr, Suspended And Subject Of $5 Million Brutality Lawsuit, Quits After Beating Handcuffed Man In The Back Of A Patrol Car
June 19th, 2008
ELGIN, ILLINOIS - An Elgin police officer accused of beating a handcuffed suspect in the back of a squad car has resigned.The last day for Chris Darr, 32, with the Elgin police department is June 30, said spokeswoman Ann Dinges.
Darr, a seven-year veteran, was stripped of his police powers and placed on paid leave in April after he was charged with assaulting Kevin Schwartz of South Elgin on Jan. 1.
Dinges said Darr submitted his resignation letter to Police Chief Lisa Womack on Monday.
The letter did not state a reason for the resignation, Dinges said.
In the Jan. 1 incident, a brawl broke out on the eighth floor of the Holiday Inn on Airport Road and Chris Darr’s father was severely beaten.
Jack Darr, a former Elgin deputy chief who worked security for the hotel that night, suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung.
Chris Darr, who was off duty at the time, is charged with beating Schwartz.
Read MoreJury Finds Serial Rapist Bloomington Illinois Police Officer Jeff Pelo Guilty On All 35 Counts
June 19th, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS - The deliberations that ended with convictions on all 35 counts against former police Sgt. Jeff Pelo were emotional and difficult, a juror told The Pantagraph hours after verdicts were read in the case.
“We sealed some fates today — good and bad,” said the juror, whom The Pantagraph agreed not to identify.
The panel of six men and six women started deliberations late Monday and returned the stack of guilty verdicts at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Jurors declined to talk to reporters immediately after the verdicts.
According to the juror, the most valuable evidence for the panel was the testimony of the five women — four who were sexually assaulted and a fifth who was stalked.
“I think some of the most compelling evidence came from the women,” the female juror said.
Read MoreEast St. Louis Illinois Police Charge Newly Hired Officer With Using False Name To Hide Domestic Violence Warrant
June 19th, 2008
EAST ST. LOUIS, ILLINOIS - The East St. Louis Police Department held a ceremony Monday to tout the hiring of 10 new officers.
The only problem: One had a warrant for his arrest.
Officials on Tuesday confirmed that one of the officers used a false name to apply for the job and, in 1997, the 41-year-old officer was charged with domestic battery. East St. Louis detectives, looking into the backgrounds of the new officers, discovered the warrant.
St. Clair County Jail records show that the officer went there Monday to post a $2,000 bond for the case.
Asked Tuesday about the matter, East St. Louis City Manager Robert Betts confirmed that an investigation is under way, but he declined to elaborate, saying it’s a personnel issue.
Police Chief Michael Baxton also declined to comment.
Mayor Alvin Parks said the officer’s fate depends on the outcome of the investigation.
Read MoreLawsuit Charges Oak Lawn Illinois Police Officer Al Tregoning With Defaming Chief Ed Folliard
June 18th, 2008
OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS - Oak Lawn Fire Department Chief Ed Folliard has filed a defamation lawsuit against a Hometown police officer who accused him of driving drunk.
In an e-mail he sent to Trustee Bob Streit on May 15, Officer Al Tregoning alleged that Folliard had been pulled over by police while under the influence but was allowed to continue on his way.
Folliard was stopped by Oak Lawn police while on his way home a few hours after the conclusion of a lengthy village board meeting. The stop occurred April 11 at 1:46 a.m. at 107th Street and Central Avenue, according to Police Chief Bill Villanova. Folliard was warned to slow down but not issued a ticket.
Folliard could not be reached for comment Tuesday. He has denied he was driving under the influence but previously admitted to the SouthtownStar that he was probably speeding. He said he was frustrated that night because trustees had discussed laying off firefighters in closed session but would not reveal their plans to him.
Read MoreVictim Of Chicago Illinois Police Officers Describes Being Taken To A Secluded Area By Officers For A Beating
June 17th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Twenty-four-year-old Patrick Richmond claims he was beaten by Chicago police and says he has the scars to prove it. The incident started at 57th Street and Prairie Avenue when he was arrested at a Father’s Day picnic.
In a sure sign that tensions are mounting with police, the incident was reportedly triggered by an argument over how many people have been recently shot by officers.
Police aren’t saying much about the case of alleged brutality, which took place just June 15. It’s believed to be under investigation.
Richmond admits mouthing off to officers about the recent police shootings.
“I was like, you all killing three people in the past two days and they say…umm…it wasn’t three, it was two,” Richmond said.
Richmond said on the way to lock up, police took a detour down an alley near 53rd Street and King Drive. He said they parked in the most secluded spot, near some bushes, and that’s where the beating occurred.
Read MoreSangamon County Illinois Hopes To Fire Suspended Deputy Sheriff David Timm After Two Incidents
June 17th, 2008
SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS - The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to fire a deputy because of two incidents, including one in which the deputy allegedly asked an officer from another agency to release a man arrested for drunken driving out of “professional courtesy.”
The Leland Grove officer reportedly refused Deputy David Timm’s request. According to reports, that led to a confrontation about two weeks later, when both officers responded to a drag-racing call near Stanford Avenue and a screaming match broke out.
Rick Stewart, an attorney with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, the deputies’ union, confirmed Tuesday that Timm, a nine-year veteran of the force, is “on paid leave pending charges being filed against him for termination pending the merit commission laws.”
“We’re appealing,” Stewart said. “I won’t talk about the issues pending the appeal.”
Sheriff Neil Williamson said the sheriff’s merit commission is to meet at noon today to determine whether it will approve Williamson’s recommendation to fire Timm.
“If the deputies don’t live up to the standard I expect, if they don’t meet that standard, then they will be terminated,” the sheriff said.
Read More“Suspicious Packages” Sent To Elected Chicago Illinois Officials
June 16th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Police and fire crews responded after a suspicious package was received Friday morning at South Side Ald. Toni Preckwinkle’s office, but no threat was found. Letters containing a powdery substance were sent to several other elected officials.
Fire and police officials said Friday the substance was “benign.”
Friday morning, Preckwinkle’s 4th Ward office at 4659 S. Cottage Grove Ave. received a suspicious package, according to office manager Pam Cummings.
Fire crews responded at 11:18 a.m., for a suspicious package, but it turned out to be an “unfounded” threat, according to Fire Media Affairs Asst. Director Eve Rodriguez.
Cummings said earlier in the day, “criteria” was faxed to the office, apparently notifying employees to keep their eyes open for anything suspicious, and they followed the suggested instructions, she said.
The alderman’s office was not closed, and Cummings would not say why the package was thought to be suspicious, she said.
Read MoreGrants Park Illinois Police Chief Scott Fitts Indicted By Federal Grand Jury In $400,000 Prostitution Scheme
June 14th, 2008
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - A federal grand jury indicted the police chief of a small town in northern Kankakee County on charges of running a prostitution scam that bilked more than $400,000 from 99 men who handed over the money to avoid the shame of being prosecuted for soliciting a $300-an-hour hooker over the Internet, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Scott Fitts, 40, the police chief of Grant Park for 14 years, was arrested outside his home in Manteno and arraigned in federal court in Springfield on 10 counts of wire fraud, making false statements to federal investigators, income-tax evasion and illegal structuring of financial transactions, said U.S. Atty. Rodger Heaton, who oversees the Central District of Illinois.
Fitts faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He was released on bond after agreeing to an indefinite leave of absence from any law-enforcement position until his trial in August. Fitts’ attorney Thomas Durkin said his client “has been a respected member of law enforcement for many years” and will plead not guilty.
Read More$10 Million Lawsuit Charges Chicago Illinois Police With Failed Raid On Bikers Clubhouse
June 13th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Cops say they were looking for drugs, club members say they were looking for trouble. CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports on a surveillance tape at the center of a multimillion dollar lawsuit alleging police misconduct.
It happened at La Familia Motorcycle social club on the city’s Northwest Side on the night of May 30. Members said the club was full when police barged in.
It’s a building with no markings, no windows on the ground floor, no indication that it houses the La Familia Motorcycle social club, whose members were inside celebrating someone’s birthday, when police arrived with a warrant searching for drugs.
In surveillance videotape from the club taken during the raid, you can hear officers crash through the front door, and see the club members immediately running toward the back.
Read MoreInnocent Woman Awarded $7.7 Million After 10 Months In Jail - Saved Chicago Illinois Police Officer’s Life, Then Was Falsely Charged With Stealing Cop’s Gun - In Other Words If You See Cops In A Wrecked Burning Patrol Car, Let Them Burn…
June 13th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A woman who helped a Chicago police officer from a wrecked squad car and was later accused of stealing a weapon has been awarded $7.7 million by a federal jury for false arrest.
In November 2002, a car ran a stop sign in Rachelle Jackson’s neighborhood, slamming into a squad car. According to her attorney, Jackson, who was walking nearby, found the officer behind the wheel unconscious and the passenger, Officer Kelly Brogan, dazed.
She pulled Brogan from the wreckage. Soon after, police approached Jackson and told her that the driver’s weapon had been stolen.
Jackson was accused of the theft. She was charged and spent more than 10 months in the Cook County Jail awaiting trial. Her case was later thrown out by a judge and Jackson sued the city of Chicago.
Defense attorney Andrew Hale said the amount the jury awarded Jackson was “excessive.”
Read MoreJury Deliberates For Three Hours Before Handing Cook County Illinois Prosecutors A Massive Defeat In R. Kelly Child Pornography Trial - Not Guilty On All 14 Counts
June 13th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Six years after being charged with making and starring in a child porn video, R&B superstar R. Kelly was found not guilty of all charges by a Cook County jury today.
Jurors deliberated for about three hours Thursday and part of today before reaching their verdicts. The jury cleared him on all 14 counts filed against him.
As the first “not guilty” was read, R. Kelly dipped his head and kept it bowed during the entire reading of the 14-count verdict.
When the reading was completed, he took a baby blue handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed the tears streaming down his face. He then bear-hugged defense attorneys Sam Adam Jr. and Ed Genson.
Kelly, who did not testify during his trial, faced up to 15 years in an Illinois prison.
Read MoreKiller Next Door: Nutcase Former Bolingbrook Illinois Police Officer Drew Peterson Thinks His Neighbor Is Spying On Him, Wants To See Him Naked
June 11th, 2008
BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS - Drew Peterson feels like someone’s watching him, and he doesn’t like it one bit.
Peterson discovered his next-door neighbor, Sharon Bychowski, has surveillance cameras mounted on her home, cameras he claims are trained on his front yard and on his backyard swimming pool.
“I think Sharon wants to see me naked,” Peterson said. He then laughed.
Peterson’s attorney, Joel Brodsky, did not find the matter quite as amusing.
“How would you feel if the State Police had video surveillance of your front yard?” Brodsky said, accusing the cops of putting the cameras on Bychowski’s house. State Police did not return calls for comment, but Bychowski says the cameras are all hers.
“No. They’re mine,” she said. “Tell [Brodsky] I said, ‘Bite me.’”
Bychowski said she installed the cameras out of fear of Peterson after he got a hold of a remote opener for her garage door in March.
Read MoreTowing Bribery Scandal Hits Chicago Illinois Police
June 11th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - It might be one of the biggest bribery scandals to hit the Chicago Police Department and it all began as a result of reports by the CBS 2 Investigators about illegal tactics by towing companies.
CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman has an exclusive on the undercover federal probe into how these so-called “accident chasers” have allegedly paid bribes to some Chicago police officers.
Officers rule at the chaotic scene of a traffic accident, helping the victims and, apparently, some have been helping themselves to a piece of the action. Disgusted by the corruption, some towing company owners told us and the FBI how it works.
One towing company owner who spoke to CBS 2 anonymously first learned about the scheme at a crash site when he asked a police officer about towing a car.
Read MoreBullets Fly In Chicago Illinois, Some Towards Police, As Four Are Shot And One Stabbed In One Night
June 11th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ― Four males were shot, one man was stabbed and two people are in custody for shooting at police after a rash of South and Southwest Side violence late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
A man was shot about 10:35 p.m. at 3300 W. 65th St. and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital and later transferred to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in an unidentified condition, according to Wentworth Area detectives.
At 10:50 p.m., a 16-year-old boy stabbed a 20-year-old man at 59th and Morgan streets. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in “stable” condition, Wentworth Area detectives said. The teen is in custody early Wednesday.
At 11 p.m., a man was shot at 46th Street and Evans Avenue and drove himself to Provident Hospital of Cook County, where he was in good condition, Wentworth Area detectives said.
Read MoreNine Shot Overnight In Chicago Include A Child And Woman - Its Going To Be A Long Summer
June 8th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Nine people were shot — including a woman who was seriously injured and a 16-year-old boy — in seven separate eruptions of violence late Wednesday and early Thursday on the South and West Sides.
In a drive-by turned hit-and-run on the West Side, someone in a gold or champagne Kia Sportage shot a 29-year-old woman at 323 S. Whipple St. about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Harrison District police captain.
It was unknown what the woman was doing at the time of the shooting or whether she was the intended target.
The Kia fled towards the end of the block, where it struck a 35-year-old man in the left leg and kept going, according to the captain.
The woman, who was not from the neighborhood, was shot in the back and was in serious condition at Mount Sinai Hospital. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition, but the extent of his leg injury was not known early Thursday.
Read MoreWar Veteran May Go To Jail After Crazed Waukegan Illinois Police Officers Charge Man With Pointing His Finger - Our Tax Dollars At Work
June 8th, 2008
WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS - Greg Kachka never thought that asking a question during a village board meeting could have him arrested and thrown in jail.
Kachka, 60, of Island Lake, pleaded not guilty Monday to disorderly conduct charges in Lake County Circuit Court.
Kachka was arrested at his home after attending a March 13 Island Lake board meeting, where he was accused of making threatening gestures toward board members.
“I don’t know what I did,” Kachka told The News-Sun on Monday following his arraignment hearing. “I think it is somewhat wrong that I could be in court for something I said at a meeting. I was just talking with my hands.”
If convicted, Kachka faces 30 days in jail and $1,500 in fines.
Trustee Debbie Herrmann and Village Clerk Christy Kaczmarek filed a complaint with the Island Lake Police Department claiming Kachka pointed his finger at them as if he was fashioning a handgun.
Read MoreChicago Illinois Police Department’s Plan To Generate Bad Cop News Headlines Now Has Police Officers Stepping Out In Front Of Moving Cars And Trucks
June 8th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Beginning next week, Chicago cops will take on a most dangerous undercover role, posing as pedestrians in the city’s traffic-choked streets.
In an effort to improve safety and promote walking with gas prices surging past $4 a gallon, police officers dressed as civilians will step into crosswalks at two busy Northwest Side intersections as cars approach.
Drivers who don’t give the right of way to these pedestrians will be issued warning citations. Real tickets will follow as the campaign is expanded to other locations, including the downtown, officials said.
The first sting will be Monday at Belmont and Lawndale Avenues, officials said. Later this month, the undercover operation will move to Lawndale and Milwaukee Avenues. Both were chosen because of nearby schools and commercial areas.
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Chicago Illinois Police Officer Joseph A. Grillo Arrested, Charged In Insurance Fraud Scam
June 7th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A Chicago police officer and a towing company owner were charged in an insurance fraud scheme on Thursday, after CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman exposed “The Accident Chasers.”
Zekman first reported last year about Jim “Meatball” Athans and his company Collision Towing, located at 4216 W. Wrightwood Ave. in the 25th Police District on the Northwest Side. His company is one of many exposed by the CBS 2 Investigators for ripping off accident victims with exorbitant and fraudulent towing charges.
Athans, 39, of Wood Dale, was arrested Thursday and charged with mail fraud.
Chicago Police Officer Joseph A. Grillo, 45, was arrested Wednesday afternoon as he got off a plane at O’Hare International Airport, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Grant announced Thursday. He was also charged with mail fraud.
Read MoreHomewood Illinois Attorney Jeffrey Luckett Worked Long Hours, Sometimes 40 Hours In A Single Day - At Least According To Him
June 7th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission is seeking punishment, including possible disbarment, for a south suburban who allegedly once submitted a bill for a 40-hour work day.
Attorney Jeffery Luckett of Homewood defends indigent people in juvenile and child protection cases, and he is now accused of allegedly overbilling Cook County in those cases.
According to a complaint filed by the commission, the 40-year-old Luckett said he worked more than 20 hours a day on 88 separate dates. The complaint says he also claimed to have worked a total of 40 hours on March 15, 2005, including 14 1/2 hours in court and 25 1/2 hours out of court.
Luckett did not return a telephone call from the Chicago Sun-Times seeking comment Friday. Appeared Here
Hero To Zero: Gurnee Illinois Police Officer Jay Simon Arrested, Charged With Child Molestation
June 7th, 2008
GURNEE, ILLINOIS - Gurnee police announced Friday afternoon the arrest of one of their own on predatory criminal sexual assault charges.
Highly decorated Officer Jay Simon, was arrested at the Gurnee Police Department without incident about 12:25 p.m. on an arrest warrant, according to a release from Gurnee police. Simon, 36, the father of three, is charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, a Class X felony; one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony; and one count of aggravated assault, a Class A misdemeanor, the release said.
A $1.5 million bond was set for Simon during a bond court appearance Friday, Gurnee police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said.
Patrick had no specific information on what Simon is accused of or his alleged victims. Simon’s arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by officers assigned to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center, which is a division of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Read MoreAfter Drunken Wreck, Cook County Illinois Judge Sheila McGinnis’ Case Won’t Be Heard In Her Courthouse
June 7th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A Cook County judge won’t have to appear in her own courthouse when she stands trial on drunken driving charges.
Judge Sheila McGinnis will have a hearing at a courthouse in suburban Markham, instead of at her own courthouse in Bridgeview. The judge who is hearing the case granted the request from McGinnis on Friday.
Defense attorney Jeffrey Aprati says it would have been embarrassing for McGinnis to be in the Bridgeview courthouse.
The 47-year-old McGinnis was charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence after she struck another vehicle stopped at a traffic light in Tinley Park on May 8.
Her next hearing is July 21. Appeared Here
Illinois State Police Routinely Ignore Judges Orders To Expunge Criminal Records
June 7th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A Cook County judge is threatening the Illinois State Police with criminal contempt of court for routinely disobeying his orders to expunge criminal records.
Judge Ronald Riley is calling state police an “arrogant organization” for not expunging records as ordered by the court. He added Wednesday he will do whatever it takes to put an end to the problem.
Christopher Wilmes of the Legal Assistance Foundation says the failure to expunge records often prevents people who are arrested or convicted from finding jobs.
The group brought attention to the problem through the case of a Dolton woman who wanted to expunge from her record a 2006 charge that had been dismissed. The cour agreed, but state police sent her a letter incorrectly stating it was an offense that could not be expunged. Appeared Here
Majority Of Very Disgraced Former Oak Brook Illinois Police Officer Randy Mucha’s Lawsuit Tossed By Federal Judge - Judge Upholds His Firing - Closed Circuit Innovations’ Lawsuit Tossed Previously
June 4th, 2008
OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS - Judge William T. Hart in U.S. District Court in Chicago Friday dismissed four of the six counts in a lawsuit filed by former Oak Brook Police Sgt. Randy Mucha, leaving the door open for Mucha to pursue the charges elsewhere.
Mucha’s lawsuit, filed last September, maintains he was improperly discharged from the Oak Brook Police Department in July 2007. The grounds cited for his dismissal were engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer and violating several department rules.
One of the counts, alleging the firing was a violation of Mucha’s civil rights, was dismissed with prejudice, meaning he cannot pursue the charge.
Mucha said he plans to re-file in state court three other counts dismissed by the federal court. Those counts allege Mucha suffered invasion of privacy and defamation of character. He also asks the court to review the administrative decision by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to dismiss him.
Read MoreChicago Sun Times Reporter Jim DeRogatis Stands Behind Illinois Law, 1st And 5th Amendments In Refusal To Testify At R. Kelly Child Pornography Trial
June 4th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A Chicago Sun-Times reporter isn’t going to answer questions at R. Kelly’s child pornography trial.
R. Kelly is accused of making a home sex video with an underage girl at his child pornography trial.
Jim DeRogatis cited an Illinois law that governs reporters’ rights and the First and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution in refusing to answer questions Wednesday.
DeRogatis read the statement more than a dozen times in response to questions, including whether he once made a copy of the sex tape at the center of the trial.
Defense attorneys have said that copying the tape would have been a crime.
After DeRogatis’ 10 minutes on the stand, Judge Vincent Gaughan said reporters’ privileges don’t apply. But the judge ruled that DeRogatis doesn’t have to testify based on his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.
Read MoreFormer Chicago Illinois Police Officer Richard Doroniuk Pleads Guilty To Robbery, Planting Drugs, Fake Informants, And Bogus Search Warrants - Participated In 10 To 20 Robberies, Then Rolls Over And Snitches For Feds
June 4th, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - A former Chicago police officer pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to racketeering, admitting he robbed drug dealers of cash numerous times, planted drugs on people he arrested and used fake informants to secure search warrants.
Richard Doroniuk, a tactical officer since 2000, has agreed to cooperate with federal authorities and is expected to testify at the trial of his former partner, who was also charged in the scheme, according to his attorney.
Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said Doroniuk resigned from the department last week.
He and partner Mahmoud Shamah, both Morgan Park District officers, were arrested in October 2006 on charges they stole cash the FBI planted in a storage locker in Chicago.
As part of the FBI sting, a confidential informant led the officers to believe the money belonged to drug dealers, according to Doroniuk’s plea agreement.
Read MoreCrazed Chicago Illinois Judge Vincent Gaughan Threatens To Issue Warrant For Sun Times Reporter After His Refusal To Testify And Appeal Based On 1st Amendment
June 3rd, 2008
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ― The judge in the R. Kelly child pornography trial has threatened to issue an arrest warrant for Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jim DeRogatis.
DeRogatis, the pop music critic for the newspaper, got hold of the sex tape that is at the heart of the trial against Kelly in 2002. DeRogatis was expected to appear in court on Tuesday morning, but did not.
Attorneys for the Sun-Times argued that DeRogatis was not required to appear in court while they appealed Criminal Court Judge Vincent Gaughan’s ruling that DeRogatis must testify.
An angry Gaughan told an attorney for the Sun-Times he’d give him 15 minutes to find something in Illinois law that gives DeRogotis the right to defy an order to appear in court. He said he would issue an arrest warrant for DeRogatis.
Read MoreDecatur Illinois Police DARE Program - All Dressed Up And No Place To Go
June 3rd, 2008
DECATUR, ILLINOIS - The Decatur Police Department has dropped its anti-drug education program for Decatur’s private schools, citing funding and staffing constraints.
The DARE program, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was dropped from Decatur public schools in recent years after the school district eliminated funding.
Deputy Chief Ed Smith said discontinuing the program was not an easy decision.
“I’ve always thought the DARE program was a very worthwhile program; I’ve been a huge supporter of DARE,” Smith said. “The program wasn’t discontinued because of a lack of faith in the program. It was discontinued because of staffing and funding issues.
“We have fought and we have kept this going as long as it can, but it came to a point where we had to make a decision, and we couldn’t go on. I had to look at what’s best for the department and what we can do with what we have.”
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