Over the weekend, Bob Berlin appeared on WGN TV to discuss the SAFE-T Act’s recent amendment, how the law will give prosecutors a fair opportunity to detain violent defendants before trial and how judges will have more latitude in detaining defendants pre-trial.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Roy Newton announced today that bond has been denied for a man accused of opening fire at the Yorktown Mall last weekend. Ronald Grundy, 22 (d.o.b. 2/18/2000) of Louisville, Kentucky, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge John Kinsella granted the State’s motion to deny bond. On November 14, 2022, Grundy’s alleged accomplice, Jakobi Kinsey 24, (d.o.b. 8/11/1998) of the 3200 block of W. Douglas Boulevard, Chicago, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $1 million with 10% to apply. Both men have been charged with three counts of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm – at a Person or Vehicle (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Addison Director of Police Timothy Hayden announced today that bond has been denied for an Addison man accused of killing his wife in their home earlier this week. Brahim Bakayoko, 44 (d.o.b. 7/30/1978) of the 1100 block of Trinity Drive, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Paul Marchese granted the State’s motion to deny bond. Bakayoko has been charged with one count of First-Degree Murder.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police William Murphy announced today that bond has been denied for the second of two men accused of robbing at gunpoint a Wheaton T-Mobile store. Imari Paxton, 24 (d.o.b. 12/14/1997) of the 7400 block of S. Colfax, Chicago, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Margaret O’Connell granted the State’s motion to deny bond. On October 19, 2022, Judge O’Connell granted the State’s motion to deny bond for Paxton’s alleged accomplice, Marcus Melton, 28 (d.o.b. 2/25/1994) of the 0-100 block of Ironwood Court, Lafayette, Indiana. Both men have been charged with seven counts of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony), three counts of Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X Felony), three counts of Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Intimidation (Class 3 Felony). Paxton has also been charged with three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony) while Melton has been charged with four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced today that a Chicago man who hijacked a pregnant woman’s car from her driveway has been sentenced to forty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Daysean Washington-Davis, 22 (d.o.b. 7/12/2000), formerly of the 2200 block of Marshall Blvd., appeared in court yesterday where Judge Michael Reidy handed down the sentence. On April 25, 2022, Washington-Davis entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Vehicle Hijacking with a firearm, a Class X Felony. At the time of the offense, Washington-Davis was on bond out of Cook County for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon. On July 7, 2022, one of Washington-Davis’s co-defendants, Emanuel Embry, 22 (d.o.b. 12/28/1999) formerly of the 100 block of N. Wood Street, Chicago, entered a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Vehicle Hijacking with a firearm. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 20, 2022, for setting. The case against another individual allegedly involved, Martavious Robinson, was originally charged in Juvenile Court. On August 10, 2020, the Court granted the State’s motion to transfer Robinson’s case to adult court. His case is currently pending.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that bond has been denied for a Chicago man accused of stabbing a female acquaintance multiple times about her stomach, neck and chest. Willie Tidwell, 50 (d.o.b. 8/29/1972) of the 300 block of W. North Avenue, appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge George Ford granted the State’s motion to deny bond. Tidwell has been charged with one count of Attempt Murder (Class X Felony) and one count of Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced today that following a double-jury trial, both juries have returned guilty verdicts against two men accused of killing twenty-six-year-old West Chicago resident Alexander Nicolas in November 2018. The jury’s verdicts follow a three-day trial against Juan Calderon, 24 (d.o.b. 9/27/1997) formerly of Aurora, and Emilio Guillen, 31 (d.o.b. 1/28/1991) formerly of Rockford, in front of Judge Michael Reidy. Following deliberations, the juries found both Calderon and Guillen guilty of one count of First-Degree Murder. On November 12, 2021, a third man, Fredi Bautista, 30 (d.o.b. 5/15/1992) formerly of West Chicago, entered a plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony) for his involvement in the killing. Bautista’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2022, in front of Judge Reidy. Both men have been held in custody at the DuPage County Jail since the murder on bonds of $4 million with 10% to apply for Calderon and $2 million with 10% to apply for Guillen.

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When Illinois starts spending the $760 million it is getting from the nationwide settlement of lawsuits against prescription opioid distributors and a manufacturer, some of that money should be spent helping the youngest victims of the opioid crisis -- babies and toddlers -- some top prosecutors around the state say. "Tragically, children have been hit especially hard by the opioid epidemic," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said Wednesday at a news conference held by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Illinois chapter. "I want to stress how important it is a significant portion of these settlement funds are to be used to help young people who are in the crosshairs of this addiction. It is vital we help the youngest victims of the opiood crisis."

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin recently penned a guest column in the Daily Herald regarding the SAFE-T Act, the controversial legislation which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor J.B. Prtizker. The SAFE-T Act eliminated cash bail in Illinois and prevents judges from detaining violent offenders prior to trial.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that bond has been set for a trio of individuals accused of stealing merchandise from the Nordstrom Rack store near the Oak Brook mall. Doniesha Chew, 23 (d.o.b. 7/13/1999) of the 800 block of E. 153rd Street, Phoenix, Terrance Reed, 37 (d.o.b. 5/8/1985) of the 6000 block of S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago and Jaquay Shines, 25 (d.o.b. 1/4/1997) of the 6800 block of S. Throop Street, Chicago, each appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Michael Reidy set bond at $350,000 with 10% to apply for Chew, $350,000 with 10% to apply for Reed and $150,000 with 10% to apply for Shines. All three defendants have been charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), one count of Aggravated Assault – Threaten with a Motor Vehicle (Class 3), one count of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Hanover Park Chief of Police Andrew Johnson announced today that bond has been denied for a Hanover Park man accused of shooting at a female motorist early yesterday morning. Reco Murray, 25 (d.o.b. 7/16/1997) of the 1800 block of Ontarioville Road, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Margaret O’Connell denied bond. Murray has been charged with one count of Attempt Murder (Class X Felony) and one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that the State’s motion to deny bail for a convicted felon accused of illegally possessing a loaded firearm and illegal drugs has been granted. Eugene Williams, 34 (d.o.b. 7/19/1988) of the 14000 block of Maryland Avenue, Dolton, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh granted the State’s motion to deny bail. In all, Williams has been charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of MDMA with Intent to Deliver (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of Heroin with Intent to Deliver (Class 1 Felony), one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver (Class 3 Felony). Williams is currently out on bond awaiting trial on Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon charges.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that on Sunday morning, the State’s motion to deny bail for a Chicago man accused of breaking into a Naperville home was granted. Adam Stone, 24 (d.o.b. 10/15/1997) of the 600 block of E. Groveland Park, appeared at a bond hearing Sunday morning where Judge Leah Bendik granted the State’s motion to deny bail. Stone is currently on probation out of Cook County after pleading guilty to aggravated domestic battery charges. In all, Stone has been charged with one count of Home Invasion – Causing Injury (Class X Felony) and three counts of Criminal Damage to Property (Class 4 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that the State’s motion to deny bail for a Chicago man accused of illegally possessing a loaded firearm and approximately 17.4 grams of cocaine has been granted. Jerry Hill, 39 (d.o.b. 2/16/1983) of the 2100 block of W. Estes Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Margaret O’Connell granted the State’s motion to deny bail. In all, Hill has been charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Prior Conviction (Class 2 Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Class 3 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Aurora Chief of Police Keith Cross announced today that an Aurora man with an active arrest warrant will be held without bond after he was allegedly found in possession of a handgun and approximately thirteen grams of cocaine. Lemont Stewart, 43 (d.o.b. 12/20/1978) of the 400 block of W. Downer Place, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Brian Telander granted the State’s motion and ordered he be held without bond. Stewart has been charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Armed Violence (Class X Felony) one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced today that the Second District Appellate Court of Illinois has affirmed the natural-life plus forty-five years sentence of Dominic Sanders for the 2017 murder of Andrea Urban. In his petition seeking either a reduced sentence or a new sentencing hearing, Sanders claimed that the trial court did not adequately consider his rehabilitative potential when imposing his sentences.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Roselle Chief of Police Steve Herron announced today that bond has been denied for a Roselle man charged with shooting an innocent woman in the head early yesterday morning at a Roselle restaurant. Jamie Quijano, 22 (d.o.b. 8/10/1999) of the 200 block of Walter Drive, appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Susan Alvarado denied bond. Quijano has been charged with one count of Attempt First Degree Murder (Class X Felony), Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony) and one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Roy Newton announced today that bond has been set for a Cook County man accused of illegally possessing a loaded firearm with an extended magazine and approximately 43 grams of methamphetamine. Brian Miller, 31 (d.o.b. 8/8/1990) of the 1700 block of Madison, Evanston, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh denied bond. In all, Miller has been charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony), one count of Possession of Methamphetamine (Class 1 Felony) and two counts of Misdemeanor Resisting a Police Officer.

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Chief of Police Brian King, announced today that for the fourth time this week, a DuPage County judge has granted the State’s motion to deny bond for a defendant accused of committing a violent gun crime in DuPage County. Stephon Little, a.k.a. Isa Al Ahad, 29 (d.o.b. 10/21/1992) of the 10000 block of S. Forest Avenue, Chicago, who is currently out on bond for an alleged previous Armed Robbery and Burglary at a Wheaton Sprint store, appeared in bond court this morning where Judge Brian Jacobs granted the State’s motion to deny bond. Little has been charged with two counts of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) and one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony).

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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Roy Newton announced today that bond has been denied for two Chicago men accused of robbing a Lombard 7-Eleven convenience store at gunpoint. Reginald Allen, 53 (d.o.b. 11/27/1968) of the 7300 block of N. Damen Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing yesterday morning where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh granted the State’s motion to deny bond. Allen’s co-defendant, Lennell Owens, 46 (d.o.b. 6/27/1975) of the 8700 block of S. Emerald Avenue, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Brian Telander again granted the State’s motion to deny bond. Allen has been charged with one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony), one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony) and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony). Owens has been charged with one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony).

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