Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists honors Will County prosecutor Frank Byers, Will County Deputy Steve Kirsch
October 31
Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is pleased to announce that Assistant State’s Attorney Frank Byers, a long-time prosecutor in his felony division, was recently honored by the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for his skillful prosecution of a defendant in a fatal drunken driving case.
AAIM honored Assistant State’s Attorney Byers at its annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Sunday, October 27 at Venuti’s Banquets & Restarante in Addison. Byers was one of many prosecutors, police officers, victim advocates and AAIM supporters from throughout Illinois to be recognized for their contributions in the fight against drunken driving.
Byers was honored for the successful prosecution of Vincent Borgic, a drunken driver from Joliet who struck and killed a pedestrian who was lying in the street on the evening of July 13, 2011. Although the victim, Scott Zolecki, also was intoxicated, Byers secured a conviction by presenting testimony from other sober motorists who swerved their vehicles to avoid hitting him.
The victim was rushed to Silver Cross Hospital and was later transferred to Loyola Medical Center, where he died on July 14, 2011. His death was determined to be related to head injuries he suffered when he was struck. Byers also presented evidence at trial that blood from Zolecki’s head was found on the underside of Borgic’s Dodge Challenger.
Borgic, who admitted coming from a bar, refused field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer, but a blood standard provided later at the hospital revealed a blood-alcohol level of .208. Byers secured a five year prison sentence for Borgic.
“This DUI case was difficult because the victim was intoxicated and lying in the street,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “Frank Byers, however, is a dedicated prosecutor who went the extra mile to ensure that justice was served and that a dangerous driver was removed from our streets. Frank’s efforts in the courtroom and the work performed by our own victim advocate were bolstered by AAIM’s critical involvement in this case. AAIM provides important support for the victims of drunken driving. I am pleased this fine organization chose to recognize Frank.”
Byers has been a prosecutor at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office since 1991.
In addition to Byers, Will County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Steve Kirsch also was honored by AAIM for making 111 DUI arrests in 2012. During its annual luncheon, AAIM honors officers who make more than 100 DUI arrests in a year. Deputy Kirsch is consistently among the top performers in the state when it comes to taking drunken drivers off our streets.
Since 1990, AAIM has conducted an annual survey of Illinois police departments to determine how many DUI arrests they make and to give recognition to the most productive departments and police officers. Nearly 700 police agencies were surveyed with 84 percent responding.