Bob Berlin & the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office's Top 10 Accomplishments of 2023
The year 2023 was an extremely busy one for public safety in DuPage County. We sat down with Bob to talk about some of his and the office’s proudest accomplishments in the last year. Here’s what we came up with, with the accomplishments listed in no particular order:
1.) ABC News: DuPage County to roll out QR code with domestic violence resources to help survivors discreetly.
DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin introduced a QR code that first responders can share with domestic abuse victims on the scene. It leads survivors to services to help them discreetly without alerting the abuser.
"The whole idea is to provide victims and survivors with as much protection as we can," Berlin said.
The state's attorney said cases of domestic abuse in DuPage County have risen in the last year from 1,571 in 2021 to 1,743 last year, an increase of nearly 11%.
Read more here.
2.) Fox32 News: DuPage County State’s Attorney, DuPage Law Enforcement Agencies Create DuPage School Mutual Aid Response Team (DuSMART).
Earlier this year, [the DuPage County's School Safety Task Force] along with the DuPage County State's Attorney’s Office and the Regional Office of Education announced the formation of DuSMART — or the DuPage County School Mutual Aid Response Team.
"This is for schools. So reunification, for instance, is something that really the schools are in charge of. Getting students out safely, and everything that goes with it. Including counseling services," said Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney.
Much like local police and fire departments, DuPage is now the only county with a mutual aid agreement among its public school districts to send additional support to a school when a crisis occurs.
One of the main jobs for those extra helping hands is carrying out the process to reunite parents with students in the aftermath.
"School safety is one of the most important things that we do. And we cannot take it for granted and we know that we cannot afford to make one mistake," Berlin said. "That’s how important this is."
Read more here.
3.) Aurora Man Sentenced To 100 Years For Sexual Assault, Home Invasion.
An Aurora man has been sentenced to 100 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for breaking into a Naperville-area woman’s house, sexually assaulting her, and forcing her to travel to a nearby bank to withdraw funds.
Judge Michael Reidy handed out the sentence to Thaddeus Jones, 26, at a DuPage County Court on Tuesday, according to a press release by the DuPage County State’s Attorney.
A jury had previously found Jones guilty of two counts of home invasion, eight counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of robbery, and one count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
“Make no mistake, Mr. Jones most certainly earned every single year of the one-hundred-year sentence handed down by Judge Reidy this afternoon,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said in the press release. “The vicious, violent attack and sexual assault Mr. Jones administered to this innocent woman will haunt her for the rest of her life. While the victim in this horrific case will never forget what happened to her, it is my sincerest hope that perhaps today’s one-hundred-year sentence will provide her with some measure of closure knowing the man responsible will never again pose a risk to society.”
Read more here.
4.) ABC News: 40-Year Sentence For Armed Carjacking Of Pregnant Woman In Downers Grove.
A Chicago man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in carjacking a pregnant woman at gunpoint in the western suburbs, officials said.
One of the victims was a pregnant woman. She was carjacked in her driveway on Hawkins Street in December 2019, Downers Grove police said.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said 23-year-old Emanuel Embry, of Chicago, was sentenced to 40 years in prison in connection with that carjacking.
Embry's co-defendant, 22-year-old Daysean Washington-Davis, was also sentenced to 40 years in prison in October 2022.
"In late 2019, within two-weeks' time, Mr. Embry, Mr. Washington-Davis, and allegedly Mr. Robinson terrorized DuPage County residents carjacking multiple victims at gunpoint during their short-lived crime spree," Berlin said.
Read more here.
5.) WGN: Julius Ramsey sentenced to 88 years for armed sexual assault of Oak Brook hotel employee.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office (DCSAO), a jury found 41-year-old Julius Ramsey guilty of three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault with a firearm, one count of aggravated kidnapping with a firearm, and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Ramsey received 22 years for each of the three counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated kidnapping with a firearm, while an additional seven-year sentence was handed down for the count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
“Mister Ramsey’s moral depravity was on full display as he repeatedly sexually assaulted an innocent woman,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “I cannot imagine the fear and terror experienced by the victim not just from the repeated assaults, but also from having a gun pointed at her head threatening her life. As she continues her long road to recovery, I sincerely hope that knowing the man responsible for this terrible chapter in her life will never again be allowed to walk free.”
Read more here.
6.) NCTV 17: Jeanine Nicarico Children’s Advocacy Center Celebrates 10 Years Of Helping Children.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy, and DuPage County Board members took part in a rededication ceremony at the center to honor the difference it’s made in the lives of young abuse victims over the past decade.
“Ten years ago, with the opening of the Jeanine Nicarico Children’s Advocacy Center, DuPage County cemented its commitment to improving the lives of young victims of sexual and physical abuse,” Berlin said in a press release. “Since that time, the Center has opened more than 3,600 cases.
“While we celebrate this milestone today, we must never forget Jeanine, a beautiful little girl who was taken from us far too early. With this Center, Jeanine’s name will live on as a symbol of this County’s dedication and commitment to its children,” said Berlin.
Read more here.
7.) Bob Berlin receives Government Leader of the Year Award from DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference.
Darien Mayor Marchese, President of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, presented DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin with the 2022 Governmental Leader of the Year Award at the conference’s Legislative Dinner.
The Conference recognized Berlin for his instrumental role in working with area legislators in shaping the SAFE-T Act trailer bill HB 1095, and his advocacy on behalf of local governments throughout the collaborative negotiations with legislators and other advocates. Conference President and Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese presented the award to Berlin in front of approximately two hundred attendees including Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, DuPage County Board Vice Chairman Michael Childress, Senate Republican Minority Leader John Curran, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, numerous bi-partisan State Representatives and Senators as well as several DuPage County Board members.
"State’s Attorney Berlin is a champion for public safety in DuPage County communities,” said Mayor Marchese. “He has consistently collaborated with municipalities across the county to decrease crime and improve public safety. The Conference is honored to present him with this award.”
Read more here.
8.) Pre-Trial Release Denied for Chicago Man Charged With Human Trafficking/Promoting Prostitution.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced today that Judge George Ford granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man charged with trafficking young women into prostitution. Heggie Carr, 55 (d.o.b. 12/31/1967) of the 7000 block of Cregier Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning facing two counts of Involuntary Servitude (Class X Felony) and two counts of Trafficking in Persons for Labor (Class 1 Felony).
In late September 2023, the Illinois State Police received information regarding an eighteen-year-old woman who allegedly is the victim of sex trafficking by Carr. Through the course of their investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Carr placed online ads offering sexual encounters with women at, among other locations, the Sonesta Suites ES located in Lombard. On November 29, 2023, undercover Illinois State Police Troopers arranged for sexual services with two women at the Sonesta Suites ES through an online ad posted by Carr. It is alleged that Carr was present at the scheduled time of the appointment. It is further alleged that Carr left the hotel upon the undercover Trooper’s arrival, at which time he was taken into custody. Further investigation found that Carr allegedly directed the victims to have sex for money and then give him all the proceeds. It is alleged that Carr forced the women into prostitution every day, threatened their lives as well as the lives of their family members if they did not do as they were told, and beat at least one of the victims on a daily basis.
“The charges against Mr. Carr are in a word, appalling,” Berlin said. “The alleged exploitation of these young victims, who were forced into the sex trade and trapped there by the use of deadly threats, should send a chill down the spine of each and every one of us. I commend the Illinois State Police, particularly Zone 1 Violent Crimes Investigations, for their truly outstanding work on this case as well as their ongoing efforts in going after those who would force young women into a life of prostitution for their own personal gain. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Jennifer Lindt, James Scaliatine and Michael Fisher for their efforts on this very sad and disturbing case.”
Read more here.
9.) NCTV 17: Three Dupage County State’s Attorney Initiatives Signed Into Law.
Three initiatives proposed in the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s 2023 legislative package have now been signed into law.
Initiative to help remove animals in animal cruelty cases
The first helps to protect animals, making it easier for law enforcement to remove a pet from someone who has been charged with animal cruelty.
Public Act 103-0490 amends the Humane Care for Animals Act, so that a violation of certain sections of the act is enough to trigger the ability for law enforcement to step in and take the animal. Previously, a person in violation would only have to forfeit the animal if they were convicted of those particular violations.
“Recent cases of animal cruelty in DuPage County did not go far enough to protect the animals during the pendency of the case,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said in a press release. “I am very pleased that with support from the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker’s signature, we are now able to remove these defenseless animals from their alleged abusers and provide them food, water, medical attention as needed and ultimately find them caring, loving homes.”
Initiatives to help protect those at long-term healthcare facilities
The other two initiatives help better protect personnel and residents at long-term healthcare facilities.
Public Act 103-0428 amends the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. It ensures that before someone is hired by such a facility, the employer will receive both the potential employee’s Illinois criminal history, as well as their federal criminal history, and any criminal history they may have in other jurisdictions nationwide.
Public Act 103-0293 amends part of the criminal code of 2012. It expands the definition of who is protected to include all residents of long-term care facilities, no matter what their age or condition, either mental or physical.
“Seniors and residents of long-term care facilities are among our most vulnerable,” Berlin continued. “They rely on others for their personal safety and day-to-day needs and my office is one hundred percent committed to safeguarding their well-being. This new legislation provides an extra layer of security for our seniors and for their families as well. I thank the members of the Illinois General Assembly for their support of this legislation as well as Governor Pritzker for his support of these important initiatives.”
Read more here.
10.) Bob Berlin Cracks Down On Violent Felons Illegally Carrying Guns.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for three men who were allegedly found to be in possession of multiple loaded machine guns and drugs at a Naperville recreation facility. Demarveus Butler, 19 (d.o.b. 3/27/2004) of the 200 block of Fulton Street, Michigan City, Indiana, Terrance Reed, 27 (d.o.b. 10/7/1996) of the 3500 block of W. Adams Street, Chicago, and Rubin Tart, 24 (d.o.b. 4/20/1999) of the 3700 block of 16th Place, Country Club Hills, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday afternoon each charged with multiple felonies. Butler is charged with one count of Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun (Class X Felony) and one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony). Reed is charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one Count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony). Tart is charged with one count of Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun (Class X Felony), one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (one Class 1 Felony and two Class 4 Felonies). All three defendants have also been charged with one count of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer.
“Public safety is the top priority of my office and the allegations that these three men unlawfully possessed extremely dangerous, fully loaded weapons, two of which that are capable of firing as a machine gun, at a family-friendly entertainment facility are alarming,” Berlin said. “The quick apprehension of the defendants in this case sends the message that in DuPage County we will not hesitate to remove firearms from those who cannot legally possess them. Thanks to the vigilance of the Naperville Police Department, an arsenal of dangerous weapons has been removed from the streets and quite possibly a tragedy has been averted. I commend the Naperville Police Department for their heads-up work on this case and for their continuing commitment to public safety. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alexandria Levan and Alysa Feld for their work in securing charges against these three defendants.”
Read more here.