For the second year in a row, Illinois saw the highest number of criminal exonerations last year, and once again, that total was driven largely by false convictions tied to a corrupt former Chicago sergeant, according to a new report.
criminal justice
Mar 27, 2020 |
Nearly 40 detainees have so far tested positive for the virus at Cook County Jail. Officials on Friday discussed those rapidly changing circumstances and said they’re working to “safely” reduce the detainee population.
By Wednesday evening, 17 detainees had tested positive
The number of Cook County Jail detainees who have tested positive for COVID-19 nearly tripled between Wednesday morning and evening, according to the sheriff’s office, which has now tested 50 individuals who have begun exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
Mar 23, 2020 |
The two detainees, ages 18 and 42, each began exhibiting flu-like symptoms last Friday. They are each being held in isolation at the jail’s Cermak Hospital, officials said Monday.
Mar 23, 2020 |
A correctional officer who works in the Cook County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting additional calls for the mass release of some detainees by activists who want to prevent an outbreak within the jail.
Mar 20, 2020 |
“Everyone deserves to be protected, especially during these uncertain times, and we are obligated to ensure all members of our community feel safe, including those behind bars,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
Mar 20, 2020 |
The newly established COVID-19 fraud coordinator will work with law enforcement to spearhead investigations and prosecutions of anyone attempting to “take advantage of people during this time of crisis.”
Sheriff’s Department looking to release some nonviolent, low-level detainees
The Sheriff’s Department says it has placed a “high priority” on reducing the number of nonviolent, low-level offenders in its custody, particularly those who are at an increased risk of the new coronavirus.
Mar 13, 2020 |
A Cook County jury on Friday convicted Shomari Legghette of gunning down Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer outside the Thompson Center, a shocking murder that marked the highest-ranking Chicago officer to be killed in the line of duty in decades.
Mar 12, 2020 |
Political ads have been flooding the airways for months in the race for Cook County state’s attorney. And they have been getting increasingly nasty.
Mar 12, 2020 |
In a surprise twist Thursday, Shomari Legghette’s defense attorney closed his case after questioning just one witness. Legghette was expected to testify that he shot Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer in self-defense.
Mar 11, 2020 |
With violent crime in Chicago of huge concern to voters, we hear from the two GOP candidates aiming to be the next Cook County state’s attorney.
Mar 11, 2020 |
With the prosecution’s case concluded, the defense attorney for Shomari Legghette will begin calling witnesses Thursday morning. The case is expected to conclude by Friday.
Mar 9, 2020 |
The second week of testimony in the murder trial of Shomari Legghette was unexpectedly delayed Monday by an unknown issue “beyond the control of the court.”
Mar 9, 2020 |
There have been no reports of COVID-19 inside U.S. jails or prisons. But more people are incarcerated per capita here than in any other country in the world and prisons have become hot spots in other nations touched by the outbreak.
Mar 6, 2020 |
R&B singer R. Kelly on Thursday pleaded not guilty to an updated federal indictment that includes child pornography charges and allegations involving a new accuser, while prosecutors said more charges alleging yet another victim are upcoming.
