Law & Order column: Lake County State's Attorney will not ask about individual's immigration status
In the wake of increased national immigration enforcement by federal agencies, Lake County State's Atty. Eric Rinehart issued a statement recently saying that his office will not ask about an individual's immigration status, especially people who are crime victims.
Rinehart's office issued the statement on June 13, saying in part that LCSAO will not share immigration status information with federal authorities unless presented with a valid warrant.
'The Lake County State's Attorney's Office is dedicated to serving all residents of Lake County and upholding justice for EVERY victim — regardless of immigration status — with a trauma-informed approach built on the principles of trust and safety,' Rinehart said. 'It is imperative that victims and witnesses feel safe to report crimes so that perpetrators don't go unpunished. We won't have safe and healthy communities if people are afraid to contact the police or cooperate with the prosecutor's office.'
Rinehart said his office operates under the Trust Act, which was signed into law by former Gov. Bruce Rauner and limits cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration.
His office, Rinehart, said, will not ask about or require immigration documentation and does not keep records of immigration status.
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Lake County Sheriff's Office and other area detectives concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a Park City man on drugs and weapons charges.
Marital D. Hayes, 39, of the 700 block of Chestnut Avenue, was taken into custody after police conducted a search at his home and found crack cocaine and other drugs along with a loaded firearm. As a convicted felon, Hayes cannot legally possess a gun, police said.
He was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and illegal possession of a firearm.
The Special Investigations Group, a federally funded sheriff's office task force, began investigating Hayes after developing information that he was selling drugs. Detectives working undercover said that Hayes was selling heroin laced with fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Gurnee and Park City police officers aided the investigation. Prosecutors are seeking to have Hayes detained until trial, police said.
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Lake County authorities have identified the man who was struck and killed by a vehicle this week in Gurnee near Six Flags amusement park.
The deceased was identified as Richard Bennett, 59, of Gurnee. Bennett was struck by a vehicle as he walked along Washington Street near Illinois Route 21 at around 10:05 p.m. Monday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The motorist who struck Bennett remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police said. Police said they are not sure why Bennett was walking along the road but they think he lived in the area.
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The Lake County Sheriff's Department Auxiliary Unit was recently recognized by the county board for its volunteerism and commitment to public safety.
Last year, auxiliary deputies contributed more than 13,000 hours of community service, which the sheriff's office said saved taxpayers more than $700,000.
The auxiliary deputies perform a number of services, including providing support services like traffic direction at accident and crime scenes, as well as assisting in missing persons and evidence searches.
Auxiliary deputies undergo 145 hours of training.
'Every year, our Auxiliary Deputies go above and beyond, whether aiding in emergencies or fostering community spirit at events,' Sheriff John Idleburg said. 'Their commitment, professionalism, and compassion profoundly enhance public safety, community resilience, and we are very grateful for their service.'
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