Charges filed in Bolingbrook stabbing, shooting

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The following charges were filed Thursday afternoon against Karl O. Tynes, 3562 Elm St., Rockford, in connection with the Bolingbrook case today: 

  • FIRST DEGREE MURDER: in that, said defendant, without lawful justification, and with the intent to kill Nicola Williams, stabbed Nicola Williams about the body with a knife, thereby causing the death of Nicola Williams, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/9-1(a)(1), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009 and AOIC 073500. 

  • FIRST DEGREE MURDER: in that, said defendant, without lawful justification, stabbed Nicola Williams about the body with a knife, knowing such act created a strong probability of death to Nicola Williams, thereby causing the death of Nicola Williams, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/9-1(a)(2), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009, and AOIC 0735000. 

  • ATTEMPT FIRST DEGREE MURDER (Class X Felony): in that, said defendant, with the intent to commit the offense of First Degree Murder, in violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/9-1(a)(1), performed a substantial step toward the commission of that offense, in that he without lawful justification and with the intent to kill Keyartred Williams, shot Keyartred Williams with a handgun, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/8-4(a), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009 and AOIC 0735000. 

  • ATTEMPT FIRST DEGREE MURDER (Class X Felony): in that, said defendant, with the intent to commit the offense of First Degree Murder, in violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 5/9-1(a)(1), performed a substantial step toward the commission of that offense, in that he without lawful justification and with the intent to kill Donnell Williams, shot Donnell Williams with a handgun and stabbed Donnell Williams with a knife, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/8-4(a), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009 and AOIC 0735000. 

  • AGGRAVATED BATTERY WITH A FIREARM (Class X Felony): in that, said defendant, in committing a battery in violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 12-3, knowingly and without legal justification caused an injury to Keyartred Williams, by means of the discharging of a firearm in that said defendant shot Keyartred Williams in the chest with a handgun, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/12-4.2(a)(1), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009 and AOIC 0940200. 

  • AGGRAVATED BATTERY WITH A FIREARM (Class X Felony): in that, said defendant, in committing a battery in violation of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, Section 12-3, knowingly and without legal justification caused an injury to Donnell Williams, by means of the discharging of a firearm in that said defendant shot Donnell Williams in the chest with a handgun, in violation of Chapter 720, Section 5/12-4.2(a)(1), of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 2009 and AOIC 0940200. 

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Laraway School program key to uncovering allegations of sexual assault that led to conviction of Joliet man

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December 16

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that an educational program adopted by the Laraway School District was instrumental in uncovering allegations of child sexual assault that enabled his prosecutors to convict a Joliet man last week.

Gregory Simpson, who is now 51, was found guilty on Dec. 11 of two Class X counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Simpson sexually assaulted two little girls while they were staying at his home.

He is eligible for a term of natural life in prison when he is sentenced by Associate Judge Robert Livas on Feb. 13.

The sexual assaults occurred while the girls were at Simpson’s home sometime between 2004 and 2006. The girls, who are sisters, were in kindergarten and third grade at the time. They no longer live in Will County or attend school locally.

One of the girls first reported the allegations to adult family members who failed to take action. However, a DVD program recently implemented by the Laraway School District brought this case to the attention of authorities in May.

The program is called “Think Before You Click: Playing It Safe Online,” and it focuses on Internet safety, including a segment dealing with on-line predators. It was first presented to students in fourth grade on up in May 2008.

After viewing the DVD, one of the victims in this case confided to her friend about what Simpson had done. The friend told her teacher of the conversation. The teacher informed school administrators, who reported the allegations to the Joliet Police Department for investigation.

State’s Attorney Glasgow praised the Laraway School District for adopting innovative educational programming to protect its students.

“It’s a travesty that this little girl’s first cry for help to her family was ignored,” the state’s attorney said. “Thankfully, the Laraway School District stepped in with a proactive program that brought these allegations to light and helped police and prosecutors arrest and convict a sexual predator.”

Glasgow continued: “I’m also thankful one of the victims wisely chose a good friend who bravely reported these allegations to her teacher. In doing the right thing, this friend helped the school district and law enforcement to protect other children in our community.”

After the allegations were reported, the two sisters gave videotaped statements to a trained forensic interviewer at the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center. Those statements, which were played during Simpson’s trial, were critical pieces of evidence that enabled jurors to reach a guilty verdict.

In addition, Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyson DeBell and Anna Rossi as well as Victim Witness Advocate Kelly Sullivan worked closely with the little girls to ease their fears about testifying at trial.

“The saddest and most difficult cases often involve victims who are children,” Glasgow said. “But credible statements from the Children’s Advocacy Center and extra attention from dedicated prosecutors and victim witness advocates brought this predator to justice.”

State’s Attorney’s Office employees donate clothing to women and children of Lamb’s Fold

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December 16

JOLIET – Employees from the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office have collected more than 60 gift bags full of new clothing to donate to the Lamb’s Fold Center for Women and Children. 

A Giving Tree was set up at the State’s Attorney’s Chicago Street Office with ornaments indicating sizes and items for a mother or child in need of clothes this holiday season. This is the second year the State’s Attorney’s Office has sponsored the Giving Tree to benefit Lamb’s Fold. Legal Secretary Valerie Walsh organized the collection effort.

“It’s an honor to work with such generous people who go out of their way to help others during the holidays,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “The staff at my office knows of the important services that Lamb’s Fold provides to vulnerable women and children. That’s why our lobby was filled with gift bags for those in need.”

Lamb’s Fold Center for Women and Children provides transitional housing and domestic violence services to homeless women and children and victims of domestic violence.

State’s Attorney Glasgow urges donations to Operation Care Package at Chicago Street office

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December 2

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow would like to remind the public that the State’s Attorney’s Office at 121 N. Chicago Street in Joliet is a designated drop-off location for donations to Operation Care Package.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office is located directly across the street from the Rialto Square Theatre.

Operation Care Package is a non-profit organization dedicated to sending care packages and letters of encouragement to U.S. troops serving overseas. The organization mails weekly shipments of packages year-round and hopes to reach 10,000 service men and women this holiday season. So far the organization has assembled 1,000 packages, but is already running short on certain supplies. 

“Operation Care Package needs our assistance in order to fulfill its mission to provide support and supplies for the brave men and women fighting overseas,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office is proud to provide continuing support for this fine organization and its work.”

Operation Care Package is in urgent need of the following items to complete the care packages:

  • Men’s black or white crew socks, brown or white t-shirts; 
  • Non-perishable food items such as coffee, dried fruits, nuts, beef jerky, protein bars, trail mix, instant oatmeal or canned fruit, tuna or soups; 
  • Batteries, vitamins, Tylenol, mosquito repellant, quart or gallon size Ziploc bags; 
  • New or used DVDs, CDs, hand-held games, card games, and sports equipment; 
  • Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving cream and other toiletries; 
  • Donations for postage or first-class stamps; 
  • Cards and letters of support. 

More information on Operation Care Package can be found on the organization’s Web site at http://www.operationcarepackages.org. For more information, call (815) 954-7438.

Murder charges filed in fatal stabbing of Naperville man

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December 2

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Naperville Police Chief David Dial announce that two counts of first-degree murder have been filed against a man accused of fatally stabbing a Naperville man last week.

Cortez Branch, 21, of 179 Cranberry Lane, Bolingbrook, is accused of stabbing Michael Fairbanks, 18, during a fight on Nov. 26.

Fairbanks and Branch were involved in a fight near Keats Avenue and Falkner Drive in Naperville during which Branch allegedly stabbed Fairbanks in the chest with a knife. Naperville police responded to the disturbance at about 5:40 p.m. and transported the victim to Edward Hospital, where he died Sunday afternoon from his injuries. 

Branch was arrested and booked into the Will County Jail initially for aggravated battery and armed violence. After meeting with Naperville Police on Tuesday morning, Will County prosecutors filed two counts of first-degree murder against Branch.

The defendant appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon. He remains in the Will County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Naperville Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information regarding this case to contact the Naperville Police Department at (630) 420-6666 or call the Naperville Crime Stoppers Hotline at (630) 420-6006.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

‘Kids Helping Kids’ Art Fair raises $1,000 for Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

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November 19

JOLIET – The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has accepted a $1,000 contribution from the first Annual Charity “Kids Helping Kids” Art Fair on behalf of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Regional Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Will County Regional Office of Education hosted the art fair on October 20-22 at the Pilcher Park Nature Center. Artwork by kindergarten through fifth-grade students was displayed. Proceeds from the exhibit were donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center. 

State’s Attorney James Glasgow established the center in 1995 to provide a safe haven where children who have suffered sexual abuse or severe physical abuse can tell their stories to trained professionals in a non-threatening, non-suggestive environment. Their videotaped statements have been used to put hundreds of child predators behind bars over the past 13 years.

“Thanks to Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Regional Office of Education for hosting a fun event for children and parents that raises awareness and benefits a worthy cause,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “Events like the art fair enable the Children’s Advocacy Center to continue its important mission.”

Staff from the Children’s Advocacy Center attended the event and distributed program material for parents.

The center also is a member of United Way of Will County. For more information, contact the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565, or visit the Web site at www.willcountychildadvocacy.com.

Joliet man gets 34 years for beating, choking 16-month-old boy to death in 2005

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November 19

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that a Joliet man has been sentenced to 34 years in prison for the murder of a 16-month-old boy in 2005.

Dymarion T. Porter, 28, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 19 by Circuit Judge Richard Schoenstedt for beating Jordan Gentry to death. Judge Schoenstedt found Porter guilty of the murder following a bench trial in October 2007.

Porter struck and choked Jordan while he was watching the child on Oct. 31, 2005. Jordan was the son of Porter’s girlfriend at the time of the murder.

A forensic pathologist testified the child died from internal bleeding that resulted from blows to his stomach. He also testified there was bruising on the boy’s upper stomach in the shape of adult knuckles. And there were bruises on the boy’s neck and chin.

“Dymarion Porter is a callous and brutal monster who snuffed out the life of an innocent little boy,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “The judge’s sentence will put Porter behind bars for a long time where he won’t have an opportunity to harm another child.”

Porter must serve 100 percent of his 34-year prison sentence.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Steve Platek and Tina Filipiak prosecuted the case against Porter. The child’s murder was investigated by the Joliet Police Department and Detectives Linda Odom and Brian Lewis.

Will County Juvenile Justice Council invites educators, law enforcement to attend presentation on Peer Juries

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November 13

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow invites law enforcement representatives, educators, township officials and other juvenile justice professionals to a free presentation on establishing Peer Juries for juvenile offenders.

The free presentation is scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 18 in the 4th Floor Probation Training Room at the Will County Court Annex, 57 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. 

The session is hosted by the Will County Juvenile Justice Council. State’s Attorney Glasgow is the chairman of the council.

Downers Grove Township Director of Human Services Lori Wrzesinski will present information on how to develop and implement a peer jury program and discuss the benefits of this highly beneficial diversion program for juvenile offenders.

Peer Juries, which are often referred to as Teen Courts, are designed to deal with select juvenile offenders without referring them to Juvenile Court. Cases referred to a Teen Court are heard by a jury of other juveniles. The jury assigns appropriate consequences, which can include community service.

The program offers a simpler and more effective alternative for juvenile officers to deal with cases as well as a method for reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders. Teen Courts also involve young jurors in a positive experience that encourages them to have a meaningful impact in their communities.

To register for this free training, call the Director of Crime Prevention Programs for the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, at (815) 727-8742 by Monday, Nov. 17.

State’s Attorney James Glasgow urges citizens to report election irregularities to Election Fraud Hotline

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November 3

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow urges citizens to report election irregularities to his Election Fraud Hotline during the upcoming general election scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Citizens are encouraged to report inappropriate activity, such as passing out campaign literature or other acts of electioneering either inside or too close to polling places.

State’s Attorney Glasgow has assigned two-person teams – each consisting of one assistant state’s attorney and one investigator – to travel throughout Will County and visit polling places all day on Election Day.

Assistant state’s attorneys not assigned to specific teams will be available for dispatch from the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office to investigate allegations of election irregularities reported to the Hotline. There are 60 assistant state’s attorneys working for the office.

The Election Fraud Hotline number is (815) 727-8872.

Undercover Internet investigation by Crete Police leads to arrest, felony child solicitation charges

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October 31

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and Crete Police Chief Paul Vanderaa announce that an undercover Internet sting operation by the Crete Police Department has resulted in felony charges against a 39-year-old man accused of indecent solicitation of a child.

The arrest was Crete’s first undercover Internet predator sting and was the result of a department initiative to send an officer to attend training classes on the identification and investigation of potential Internet predators.

Robert A. Regguinti, 39, of Decatur, was charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child earlier this week. He faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted.

The Crete Police Department along with the Decatur Police Department executed a search warrant for computers at Regguinti’s home and office in Decatur on Sunday.

Regguinti appeared in court in Will County earlier this week where Associate Judge Bennett Braun ordered him held on a $100,000 bond. He remains in custody while he awaits trial. Additionally, as a condition of the bond, the judge ordered that Regguinti is to have no contact with children under the age of 18. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 24 in Courtroom 405.

One of the charges alleges that while using the Internet, he “knowingly discussed an act of sexual conduct” with someone “he believed to be a child.”

“Chief Vanderaa and the Crete Police Department should be commended for fighting the battle against Internet predators,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “With constantly evolving technology, the training of our officers provides a crucial component in the defense of our children against manipulative adults who seek them out online.” 

“Today’s Internet predators have increasing mobility,” said Chief Vanderaa. “The Crete Police Department is seeking to serve the greater good by helping to apprehend predators not just from Crete, but anywhere they pose a threat to our children.”

Chief Vanderaa thanked the Crete Village Board for providing his department with the backing it needs to send officers to Internet investigation training and provide officers with the computer equipment and software necessary to undertake this type of technical investigation.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office reminds the public that charges are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.