Latest news with #Safe-TAct
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Law & Order column: Coroner corrects ‘misinformation' about death
The Lake County Coroner's Office recently countered what it called misinformation spread by federal immigration authorities in the case of Megan Bos, the Antioch woman whose corpse was found in a man's backyard. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office announced on July 20 that the man charged with concealing Bos' body had been arrested for immigration violations, and that Bos' head had been removed from her body. Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez was taken into custody in Chicago while awaiting trial on charges related to Bos' death. 'In response to recent inaccurate media reports, the Lake County Coroner's Office clarifies that Megan Bos was not decapitated,' the coroner's office said in a news release issued the day after ICE reported the arrest of Mendoza-Gonzalez. 'This misinformation has caused unnecessary distress to the family and misrepresents the facts of this investigation.' Mendoza-Gonzalez, a 52-year-old Waukegan resident, told authorities that Bos, 37, whom he knew, had come to his house in February, snorted some type of drugs and then died, authorities said. He said he put her body in a container in his backyard and broke her phone because he thought he would get into trouble, police said. He is alleged to have used bleach on Bos' body. Family members had spent weeks searching for her before her body was found in April. Mendoza-Garcia was charged with concealing a homicide, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice, but was not held in custody because the charges – all Class 4 felonies – are not detainable under the cashless bail program now in effect in Illinois. State's Attorney Eric Rinehart issued a statement saying Bos had not been decapitated, and that her cause of death had been ruled 'undetermined.' 'As we have told the family, we believe that a criminal trial and sentencing is more appropriate than deportation procedures,' the statement said. 'As people know, deportation to another country does not lead to prison in that country. If he were to agree to deportation, he could be free in days. We are hopeful that he will be brought to court so that he can be held fully accountable for his actions.' The arrest has sparked another round of criticisms of the cashless bail system instituted as part of the state's Safe-T Act. Suspects fled Gurnee police officers arrested two Racine men who fled a Wisconsin traffic stop after their car was spotted near Interstate 94. The pair, along with a third person, reportedly drove off from a Wisconsin police officer before crossing into Illinois. However, before entering the state, a Wisconsin police officer had deployed 'stop sticks' which flattened two of the vehicle's tires. Gurnee police responding to reports of a reckless driver found the vehicle near an auto parts store in the Grand Avenue /I-94 area. As officers approached the stopped vehicle, the occupants ran off. The three were detained after a coordinated response including police dogs and foot pursuit. One of the trio had an active warrant out of Racine, and another was charged with resisting arrest. The third person was released without charges, police said. Drug sale arrest Officers with the Special Investigations Group of the Lake County Sheriff's Office have arrested a Waukegan man on drug charges. Agustin Arias, Jr., 41, of the 900 block of Woodlawn Avenue, was arrested on July 17, police said, for selling cocaine. The sheriff's office said it received a tip that Arias, who lives near the Glen Flora Elementary School, was selling drugs. During the investigation, Arias made several drug sales to undercover officers, authorities said. On July 17, he was taken into custody during a traffic stop, police said. He has been charged with delivery of a controlled substance near a school. Child porn charge A Lake Zurich man was charged with child pornography counts after police searched his residence, according to the sheriff's office. Randall R. Grueb, 59, of the 800 block of Interlaken Drive, was taken into custody Thursday. Police said they learned that an electronic device in the home had been used to download and share thousands of child pornography images in recent months. Authorities said they discovered more than 100 images in Grieb's possession after searching.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce holds its 2025 state legislative luncheon
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A luncheon was held designed to bring business leaders and state legislators together to discuss local issues. The 2025 State Legislative Luncheon was hosted by the Peoria Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. The panel of elected officials included Senator Li Arellano Jr., Senator David Koehler, Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, and Representative Travis Weaver The event gave a chance for an off-the-record discussion, so people in attendance could engage with the elected officials and discuss upcoming policies, economic initiatives, and business regulations. 'This event is a crucial platform for fostering meaningful dialogue between lawmakers and business leaders,' Jessica Linder Gallo, the CEO of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce said. 'By facilitating these conversations, we ensure that the voices of Central Illinois businesses are heard and considered in the policymaking process.' State, local lawmakers discuss priorities at annual Legislative Breakfast The lawmakers took turns answering questions on pension funding, the Safe-T Act, infrastructure, debt relief, and the 2025 Illinois state budget. 'The reality is, if we don't get serious about paying down our debt, my kids will be on the hook for that. I don't want that. I want to make smart financially sound decisions today so that in 30 years I can have kids who say, why would I go to Tennessee? I live in Illinois. That's what I want to hear them say. Today, They'd be saying the opposite,' said Representative Weaver. State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth said the event was a great way to provide transparency about important issues. 'I'm excited to have a real conversation about the things that are most pressing to not just Illinois but most importantly, Peorians and Central Illinoisans. We were able to cover issues from infrastructure to education to taxes to safety, and really doing it in a bipartisan way at times,' she said. Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jessica Linder Gallo said the conversation was important to the region's economic stability. 'The biggest takeaway that I'm hearing from business owners as they're leaving is knowing that we have good partners in Springfield and in the statehouse. I think the collaboration across the aisle of our legislators here in central Illinois was showcased and their desire and willingness to help businesses and the entire region thrive.' said Gallo. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce collaborated with other local chambers to strengthen the conversation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Pre-trial release revoked for Bloomingdale man facing new stolen vehicle charge
The Brief A judge revoked pre-trial release for 18-year-old David Guzman after new felony charges. Guzman allegedly attempted to flee police in a stolen Dodge Durango valued at nearly $98,000. Officials cite the case as an example of why pre-trial release laws need reform. DUPAGE COUNTY - A Bloomingdale man previously released ahead of trial on stolen vehicle charges is now back in custody for the same crime after a judge revoked his pre-trial release, prosecutors said. David Guzman, 18, is facing new charges after authorities say he attempted to flee officers in a stolen Dodge Durango last week. What we know Judge Joseph Bugos granted the prosecution's request to revoke Guzman's pre-trial release after he was charged with aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle, Possession of burglary tools, and multiple misdemeanors, including fleeing police and resisting arrest. Authorities allege Guzman was in possession of a stolen Dodge Durango, which was taken from a Schaumburg dealership on Feb. 14. On Feb. 19, a SWAT team and multiple police agencies executed a search warrant at Guzman's Bloomingdale residence. When officers arrived, he allegedly tried to flee by running into his garage and attempting to ram through the closed door with the Durango. To prevent an escape, officers blocked the driveway and eventually forced Guzman to flee on foot. He was arrested shortly after, reportedly with a reprogrammed key fob in his pocket that could start the stolen SUV. He was also only wearing one shoe. Inside the vehicle, officers found reprogramming devices, a factory Dodge key, and Guzman's missing shoe on the driver's floorboard. What they're saying DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin expressed frustration over the case, stating that it highlights flaws in Illinois' Safe-T Act, which limits judicial discretion in detaining certain defendants before trial. "For the second time today, a defendant on pre-trial release appeared in court charged with new, serious crimes," Berlin said. "This fact illustrates the urgent need for changes to the State's Safe-T Act." Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese echoed Berlin's concerns, emphasizing the dangers posed by repeat offenders. "On multiple occasions, it is alleged that he has committed crimes and then put citizens and law enforcement officers in harm's way while attempting to elude apprehension by police," Giammarese said. "These alleged crimes will not be tolerated, and if convicted, he should be held accountable for his actions." What's next Guzman is scheduled to appear in court before Judge Bugos on March 17. The Source The information in this article was provided by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office and Bloomingdale Police Department.
