State’s Attorney Glasgow files appellate brief in Drew Peterson case

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November 6

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow announced today (Thursday, Nov. 6) that his office has filed its appellate brief with the Third District Appellate Court in the matter of People vs. Drew Peterson (09CF1048).

The 60-page appellate brief was filed on Thursday morning in Ottawa. 

State’s Attorney Glasgow prosecuted Drew Peterson and secured a First Degree Murder conviction against him in September 2012. Peterson, a former Bolingbrook police officer, killed his third wife, Kathleen Savio, who was found dead inside a bathtub in her home in March of 2004.

Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison. Defense attorneys appealed his conviction. They filed their appellate brief in January. 

The defense now has two weeks to file a reply brief. Once that is completed, a panel of justices from the Third District Appellate Court will review the case and its sizeable record before scheduling oral arguments.


Still time to purchase Men Who Cook Calendars before Christmas

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December 16

men who cook calendar

JOLIET – There is still time before Christmas to purchase Men Who Cook calendars from the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Keep yourself on track during 2014 with a full-color wall calendar that features dozens of photos of our local cooks alongside the delicious dishes they served up during 2013’s wildly popular culinary competition. 

The calendar, which makes a great gift for the cook in your family, also features exclusive shots from the Men Who Cook Red Carpet and of course, Jackson, the Children’s Advocacy’s Center’s therapy dog.

The calendar costs $10; proceeds benefit the not-for-profit Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, which has been protecting children since 1995. To order, call the Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565 or visit www.menwhocook.info. They are also available for sale at:

  • The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, 57 N. Ottawa St., Suite 506 in downtown Joliet;
  • Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn’s Office, 302 N. Chicago St., in downtown Joliet;
  • The Joliet Township Offices through Township Clerk Beth May, 175 W. Jefferson in downtown Joliet;
  • The Will County Sheriff’s Department’s Public Affairs Office, 57 N. Ottawa St., in downtown Joliet;
  • An English Garden Flowers and Gifts, 11210 Front St., in Mokena;
  • And at Great American Bagel, owned by Men Who Cook volunteer and chef Tom Grotovsky, at 1101 Essington Road in Joliet.

Remember to save the date for the Sixth Annual Men Who Cook, scheduled for Saturday March 22 at the Pipefitters Local #597 Training Center 10850 187th St. in Mokena. Tickets go on sale next year.

The Children’s Advocacy Center was created by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow in 1995 to improve the way child abuse cases are investigated. The center’s trained staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse. Children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of predators. 



Peotone man arrested on child porn charges

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November 13

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that five counts of child pornography have been filed against a Peotone man.

Aaron Bettenhausen, 35, of the 300 block of Garfield Avenue, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Will County Jail. Bond was set Thursday afternoon at $750,000. Bettenhausen must post 10-percent or $75,000 to secure his release while awaiting trial.

The charges were the result of an investigation by State’s Attorney Glasgow’s High Technology Crimes Unit and the Peotone Police Department. The High Technology Crimes Unit, which was established by Glasgow in 2012, works with local police departments to track and arrest individuals who trade child pornography over the Internet. In many instances, investigations result in charges alleging that the suspects have either produced child pornography or sexually abused a child.

One of the charges against Bettenhausen alleges the defendant surreptitiously recorded an underage girl while she was naked and dressing in her own bedroom in 2009. Other counts allege that he knowingly possessed digital videos containing child pornography. The most serious charge is a Class X felony that carries a penalty of six to 30 years in prison with no option for probation upon conviction.

State’s Attorney Glasgow thanked the Peotone Police Department for its assistance in conducting the 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.


Bolingbrook drug dealer gets 9 years for drug induced homicide

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November 12

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that a Bolingbrook drug dealer who provided the heroin that killed another man has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Emerson D. Harris, 25, of 433 Mallview Lane, Bolingbrook, pleaded guilty to one count of drug induced homicide on Friday. He sold heroin to Chad Conley, whose body was found on the ground between a Wendy’s and a Shell Station in Bolingbrook on Sept. 19, 2012.  An autopsy revealed that the victim died from a heroin overdose.

Harris also pleaded guilty on Friday to four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance in a separate case. He must serve 50 percent of a 13-1/2 year sentence for those charges. He will serve that sentence concurrently with the nine-year sentence for drug induced homicide.  

During a lengthy investigation, Bolingbrook police interviewed Conley’s friends, who noted that the victim had purchased the heroin from a dealer named Mo. Police later identified the dealer as Harris. Several months later, investigators were able to locate an individual who had been with Conley when he purchased the heroin from Harris, and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently filed charges in March of this year.

“Emerson Harris is going to prison for a long time because he fed Chad Conley’s horrible addiction with a fatal dose of street poison,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow.  “The heroin dealers who have created an epidemic in the Chicago area had better the message: We’re going to investigate every heroin overdose death as a homicide, and we’re going to place the dealers behind bars.”

Glasgow credited his Narcotics Unit prosecutors, Mike Knick and Marie Griffin, for securing the guilty plea, as well as the Bolingbrook Police Department for its tenacious investigation in this case


Savor 2013 and plan for 2014 by purchasing ‘Men Who Cook’ calendars

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November 7

JOLIET – The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center has fired up a great way for people to keep track of all of 2014’s important events, including the wildly popular “Men Who Cook” culinary competition fundraiser scheduled for March 22.

There is no better way to plan your 2014 than by purchasing a brand new Men Who Cook calendar that features dozens of colorful photos of the nearly 50 amateur chefs who put their home recipes up for judging in last year’s heated competition. The calendar also features photos from the Red Carpet as well as Jackson, the Children’s Advocacy Center’s own therapy dog. 

All photos were shot exclusively for Men Who Cook and the Children’s Advocacy Center by local photographer Stan Niehoff. 

Calendars are available now at a cost $10.  Like the annual Men Who Cook fundraiser, all proceeds from the calendar benefit the not-for-profit Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, which has been protecting children since 1995. Savor memories of the creative table displays and chef costumes, not to mention the many delicious appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts at the 2013 competition.

“This calendar is a fun way to recognize the local chefs who came out for this great cause and fired up the crowd with their culinary talents,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “They all gave generously of their time to make last year’s Men Who Cook the most successful yet.”

Calendars can be purchased by calling the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565. Or you can buy one at the following locations:

  • The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, 57 N. Ottawa St., Suite 506 in downtown Joliet;
  • Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn’s Office, 302 N. Chicago St., in downtown Joliet;
  • The Joliet Township Offices through Township Clerk Beth May, 175 W. Jefferson in downtown Joliet;
  • The Will County Sheriff’s Department’s Public Affairs Office, 57 N. Ottawa St., in downtown Joliet;
  • An English Garden Flowers and Gifts, 11210 Front St., in Mokena;
  • And at Great American Bagel, owned by Men Who Cook volunteer and chef Tom Grotvosky, at 1101 Essington Road in Joliet.

For additional information about the calendars, visit online at www.menwhocook.info.  You can also like us on Facebook by going to MenWhoCook.

Remember to save the date for the Sixth Annual Men Who Cook, scheduled for Saturday March 22 at the Pipefitters Local #597 Training Center 10850 187th St. in Mokena. It’s an affordable, fun and casual competition that draws amateur cooks from throughout Will County as well as hundreds of hungry guests. Tickets go on sale next year.
The Children’s Advocacy Center was created by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow in 1995 to improve the way child abuse cases are investigated. The center’s trained staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse. Children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of hundreds of predators.


Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists honors Will County prosecutor Frank Byers, Will County Deputy Steve Kirsch

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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.


Frankfort man arrested on child pornography possession charges

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October 30

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announced that Mark B. Smith, 53, of Frankfort, has been charged with six counts of possession of child pornography.

The arrest was the culmination of a two-month investigation by State’s Attorney Glasgow’s High Technology Crimes Unit in cooperation with the Frankfort Police Department, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Affiliates and the U.S. Secret Service.

The law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant on Wednesday at Smith’s house in the 400 block of Lincoln Avenue in Frankfort.

The criminal complaints allege Smith was downloading and distributing pornographic images of children as young as 9 as well as videos of children involved in sexual encounters with adults.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s High Technology Crimes Unit has been in existence since March of 2012 and has executed more than 45 search warrants in cases involving the sexual exploitation of our children in Will County. In addition to charges involving the possession and trading of child pornography, these investigations have resulted in charges against individuals who are alleged to have sexually abused children.
   
The Frankfort Police Department and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office remind 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.


State’s Attorney Glasgow receives ‘Man of the Year’ honor from the United Hellenic Voters of America

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October 29
JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow was extraordinarily honored to have received the Man of the Year Award by the United Hellenic Voters of America at the organization’s 39th Anniversary Dinner Dance.

In addition to receiving Man of the Year honors, State’s Attorney Glasgow also said he felt tremendously privileged to be named a lifetime member of the distinguished organization, which serves our thriving Greek-American community throughout the region.

“I cannot begin to express how thankful I am to the United Hellenic Voters of America for recognizing the important work the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office performs on behalf of our citizens,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “I was pleased to receive this honor on behalf of the attorneys, secretaries, investigators and administrators, whose dedication and commitment to serving and protecting the public is unsurpassed.”

Glasgow was joined by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim during the UHVA dinner dance at Empress Banquets in Addison on Oct. 20.

In his letter to UHVA members, National Board Chairman Nick Pappas said the honor was bestowed upon Glasgow and his fellow State’s Attorneys for “their important work and leadership toward ensuring the safety and the enforcement of the law in our communities.”

Glasgow credited UHVA with encouraging civic pride within the Greek-American community and with advancing issues that are vital to Greek-American citizens for the past 40 years.

Public Discussion on Solutions to Heroin Epidemic will be Held at Creekside Elementary

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October 29

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, State Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow invite parents and students to a community forum on the dangers of heroin use on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Creekside Elementary School, located at 13909 South Budler Road in Plainfield.

“We must take every step possible to protect our children against this deadly drug,” said Manley. “In addition to hearing the facts from experts, we will also brainstorm solutions and establish a dialogue between parents, students, and community leaders about the harmful effects of heroin use and the preventative steps we must take together.”

Manley and Bertino-Tarrant were recently appointed to Illinois’ newly formed Young Adult Heroin Task Force to study the problem as it relates to teenagers and suggest programs and strategies for high schools to implement. Nearly one person died in Will County from a heroin overdose every week in 2012, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office.

“Heroin continues to have devastating effects on families across our county,” said Larry Walsh, Will County Executive. “We must teach our children why this drug is so deadly. The best way to fight this epidemic is to educate our children and parents about the dangers of heroin.  ”

“It is imperative that parents understand the harmful effects of this addictive drug, especially as its popularity grows among young people,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow, “I am pleased to work with Rep. Manley, Sen. Bertino-Tarrant and County Executive Walsh to put important information into the hands of parents and students in Will County.”

The presentation will feature important prevention strategies and discuss how to spot the signals that a loved one or friend has become addicted to heroin. In addition, the forum will include first-hand accounts of how heroin use controls every aspect of an addict’s life. There will also be a discussion about the myths and realities surrounding reports of “Krocodil” in our region.

“It is important to share information of this harmful and deadly drug to as many people as possible,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “I hope to continue the message to ensure this area recognizes the impact it has on our very own community.”

For more information, please contact Manley’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 725-2741 or email repmanley@gmail.com


Will County Children’s Advocacy Center chosen as a beneficiary of Witches Night Out fundraiser

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October 7

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is pleased to announce that the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the 4th Annual Witches Night Out fundraiser to be held Oct. 24 at the Joliet Renaissance Center, 214 North Ottawa Street in Joliet.

Witches Night Out is a unique event during which women dress as witches for a fun night out on the town. The event’s proceeds fund United Way agencies that serve women and children in need. This year’s committee selected the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center for its dedication to helping children and families hurt by child abuse. Lamb’s Fold Women’s Center and Stepping Stones Treatment and Recovery Center also were selected as beneficiaries of this year’s event.

Witches Night Out activities will include a Witches Bazaar starting at 4:30 p.m., a buffet dinner, fortune tellers, door prizes and a costume contest.

“Thank you to the Witches Night Out committee for choosing the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center as a beneficiary of this year’s event,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow, who founded the Center in 1995 and chairs its Board of Directors. “Participants will have a lot of fun and the proceeds will help the CAC continue protecting vulnerable children.”

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization. Its professionally trained staff interviews children who are the victims of sexual or severe physical abuse in a non-threatening, non-suggestive environment. The children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of literally hundreds of child predators over the past 18 years. Last year, the center interviewed 351 children.

Tickets for Witches Night Out cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.witchesnightout.com.  Tickets are also available by contacting the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4562.