State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces 22-Year Prison Sentence in Predatory Criminal Child Sexual Assault Case

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June 12, 2020

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that 52-year-old Lockport resident Candido Cordero was sentenced today to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault of an eight-year-old child in the child’s home. The sentence also includes lifetime sex offender registration. 

“This demonic sexual predator took advantage of this innocent child for his own twisted gratification and will now be behind bars where he will have no access to defenseless children,” Glasgow said. “Children have an absolute right to feel safe in their own home.”

Cordero pled guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, a Class X felony, for conduct that occurred in the bathroom while the boy was showering when Cordero was a guest at the child’s home. Judge Daniel Kennedy accepted Cordero’s guilty plea under the plea agreement, and Cordero was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Under state law, he must serve at least 85 percent of the sentence.

“Child sexual assault and abuse occurs across race, religion, and class,” Glasgow said. “That’s why I established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center to provide hope, healing, and justice to abused youngsters. The CAC’s Multidisciplinary Team engages in a collaborative approach to taking the child’s statement, which protects the integrity of the information gathered and allows prosecutors and investigators to thoroughly assess possible criminal offenses that may have been committed. Further, advocates help the children and non-offending family members navigate the process, and trauma-focused therapists provide counseling to help overcome the impact of the abuse. We even have a Paws-4-Kids program that provides therapy dogs to help comfort the children.”

Glasgow praised Assistant State’s Attorneys Kelly Tebo and Mary Fillipitch, Will County CAC Forensic Interviewer Jackie Lundquist, Victim Witness Advocate Jessica Gil, Will County CAC Trauma Therapist Lorraine Guerrero Nuemayer, Will County Sheriff Deputy Chris Erickson, and State’s Attorney’s Office Secretary Traci Knutson for their dedication and hard work.

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center currently is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since its founding by State’s Attorney Glasgow in 1995, the CAC has served more than 9,500 children.

State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces 15 Problem Solving Court Participants Graduate In Four Ceremonies Held Over Past Week

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June 10, 2020

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that 15 individuals from Will County’s Problem Solving Courts graduated in four separate ceremonies held over the last week during which family members watched via Zoom. Glasgow commended the graduates for continuing their commitment to the program throughout the challenges posed by Covid-19.

“Our graduates have continued to persevere throughout the pandemic, and we applaud their dedication to continuing on the positive road upon which they embarked through participation in our Problem Solving Courts,” Glasgow said. “These have been challenging times for all of us, and it is a credit to these individuals that they have maintained their efforts throughout this pandemic. Our goal is to help these individuals and, in doing so, keep them out of the criminal justice system and save taxpayer costs. Each of our graduates has demonstrated what they can do with a support system in place.”

The graduation ceremonies for Veterans Court and Adult Redeploy Illinois Court participants were held June 3. Three individuals hailing from Minooka and Frankfort took part in the Veterans Court graduation, and two individuals from Joliet participated in the Adult Redeploy Ceremony. Circuit Judge Daniel Rippy presided over both. On June 4, Circuit Judge Sarah Jones presided over the Drug Court ceremony in which three participants from Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and Richton Park, graduated. The final ceremony, for Mental Health Court participants, took place June 9 with Associate Circuit Judge Frederick Harvey presiding. Seven individuals, hailing from Crest Hill, Joliet, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Plainfield, and Channahon, graduated in this ceremony.

Family members were able to watch each of the ceremonies via Zoom, and each participant was given a signed graduation card from State’s Attorney Glasgow.

“We worked hard to ensure that the graduating participants still had the opportunity to be honored through ceremonies and that their families could share in the celebration even if remotely,” Glasgow said. “All graduates will be invited to the next publicly held graduation to participate in the full ceremony, but we wanted to acknowledge their hard work during these difficult times.”

Glasgow played an integral role in creating each of Will County’s four Problem Solving courts. He spearheaded the creation of the Drug Court – Will County’s first Problem Solving Court – when he wrote and administered the grant that funded its formation. Along with Will County Chief Judge Gerald Kinney, Glasgow established the Mental Health Court in 2010. He also petitioned for the formation of the Will County Veterans Court, and wrote and obtained the grant for the Redeploy Illinois Court to steer qualifying repeat offenders away from prison and into gainful employment.

State’s Attorney Glasgow also established three residential facilities to further help Problem Solving Court participants on the path to reentry. The Miller Taylor House and Julie Ann House provide temporary housing, and the Connor Kelly Residence which opened in 2019 provides longer-term transitional housing.

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Statement by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow on Passing of County Executive Larry Walsh

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June 4, 2020

Joliet – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow issues the following statement on the June 3 passing of Will County Executive Larry Walsh:

“Will County has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of County Executive Larry Walsh. Larry truly loved the people of Will County and worked tirelessly for their benefit. His four terms as County Executive were the final chapter in a lifetime of dedicated service to Will County and the State of Illinois. He touched countless people’s lives and will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Irene, Larry’s wife of many decades, and to his entire family. Rest in Peace, Larry Walsh.”

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Statement by Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow

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June 2, 2020

Joliet –The State’s Attorney’s Office has reviewed the investigative reports and two independent videos regarding the June 1 incident involving Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk and the arrests of two individuals in Joliet. No final charging decision can be made until a full and independent investigation is completed. The Office of the State’s Attorney has requested further investigation by an independent third party agency to ensure as in all cases that the interests of justice and fairness are served. The Joliet Police Department agrees and is requesting that the Illinois State Police conduct the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest and ensure a completely transparent process. As our Nation works to mend in the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic murder, the State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to guaranteeing justice and absolute integrity in its review of this and all matters.

Glasgow Announces Prosecutor Jeff Brown Named Vice President of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois Board of Directors

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May 18, 2020

Joliet – Will County State’s Attorney has announced that Jeff Brown, an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Sex Crimes Unit, has been named Vice President of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI). The CACI is the chapter of the National Children’s Alliance which coordinates and supports Children’s Advocacy Centers throughout Illinois. The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Glasgow founded the Will County CAC in 1995 to provide hope, healing, and justice for children who have endured sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, sexual exploitation, child pornography, neglect, and exposure to violence.

Glasgow assigned Brown to the Will County CAC’s multidisciplinary team, comprised of law enforcement, DCFS investigators, forensic interviewers, child and family advocates, trauma therapists, medical personnel, and prosecutors. Brown also serves as a facility dog handler to therapy dog Kiwi, one of the canines in Glasgow’s groundbreaking Paws for Kids program that provides support to the children receiving services at the Will County CAC. Since Glasgow founded the center, it has served some 8,900 children throughout Will County.

“Our Children’s Advocacy Centers protect our most precious and most vulnerable resource – our children,” Glasgow said. “It is imperative that all of our Children’s Advocacy Centers are supported by compassionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed individuals. I strongly supported Jeff’s appointment to the CACI Board in 2019, and it comes as no surprise that Jeff was the unanimous choice for Vice President.”

“The children of Illinois deserve to wake up in the morning and go to bed at night without fear of being abused,” Brown said. “I want to thank State’s Attorney Glasgow for giving me the opportunity to protect those who are not able to protect themselves. Serving as Vice President of the CACI provides an opportunity to work on behalf of children at an even broader level. It is an honor to be selected for this position by this highly respected organization.”

According to Will County CAC Executive Director Lisa Morel Las, “Jeff is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, and I am thrilled that he is able to use his passionate expertise to support and sustain Illinois’ CACs.”

In addition to prosecuting sex crimes, Brown was selected by Glasgow to head up the Animal Protection Unit in the State’s Attorney’s office. Glasgow created the Unit in conjunction with “The League of Extraordinary Canines & Friends,” a countywide initiative Glasgow established to address animal cruelty and neglect with the goal of protecting humans as well. Violence against animals is often a precursor to violence against humans, and perpetrators of domestic violence abuse or threaten to abuse animals to control their victims.

“Children and animals are defenseless and we have a moral imperative to protect them. On a daily basis, Jeff Brown stands up for both,” Glasgow said. “Jeff will be a tremendous resource for Will County as Vice President of the CACI Board.”

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State’s Attorney Glasgow Warns of Scammers Seeking to Extort Money During Covid-19 Pandemic

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May 5, 2020

JOLIET, IL – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is warning residents about scammers seeking to extort community members by threatening to publicly release pornographic videos in exchange for money, regardless of whether any such video exists.

“My office has received multiple reports from innocent people in our community who have received emails threatening to release inappropriate videos of them in exchange for money—regardless of whether or not such video even exists,” Glasgow said. “It is reprehensible that while so many of us are working together to battle Covid-19, morally bankrupt scammers are seeking to take advantage of the good people in Will County while they are most vulnerable.”

Glasgow noted that this is not the only scam that has been identified during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sadly, scammers and thieves are taking advantage of the most vulnerable during this time of crisis. Other scams include online attempts to sell Covid-19 home testing kits, even though the FDA warns that there currently is no approved home testing kit for coronavirus, and phishing emails seeking donations in an attempt to steal identities and money,” Glasgow said. “Please tell family and friends, and in particular the elderly, to be on the lookout for potential scams. Together, we can help prevent these thieves from using Covid-19 as their ruse for stealing money and personal information.”

Glasgow urged residents who believe they have contacted by a scammer to contact their local police department.

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Statement From Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow regarding Office Operations During Coronavirus Pandemic

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March 19, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges to all of us. The Will County State’s Attorney’s office is no exception, as we seek to balance the demands of our justice system, both civil and criminal, with the health and safety needs of the Will County community and our dedicated staff.

I have been in constant communication with our county and court leadership as we coordinate and execute a plan that best achieves the goals of both justice and public health and safety. To that end, in the interest of public health, beginning March 19 our reception office will be closed to in-person visitors until further notice. Our office is fully available to receive telephone calls, and request that if you need assistance you contact the State’s Attorney’s Office at 815-727-8453. You may also reach out via the “Contact Us” form on our website: https://willcountysao.com Our office will remain open with staff working in shifts to reduce the number of people present at our office at any given time.

Please know that my office is committed to providing all necessary services to meet the public’s needs while at the same time doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of the public and my dedicated staff.

I ask for your patience and understanding as we all work together to get through this health crisis. It is an honor to serve you.

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State’s Attorney Glasgow Announces Circuit Judge Tomczak Sentences Bahaa Sam To 29 Years For Bludgeoning Wife To Death

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March 17, 2020

JOLIET, IL – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that Bahaa Sam, 54, of Tinley Park was sentenced to 29 years in prison with no possibility of parole by Circuit Judge Amy Bertani Tomczak for the gruesome murder of his then 38-year-old wife Nermeen on December 19, 2012. A jury found Sam guilty on November 15, 2018, of first-degree murder in bludgeoning his wife to death with a weightlifting bar following an argument. One of the couple’s four children, their then four-year-old boy, witnessed the beating. Sam clubbed his wife repeatedly in their front yard with a curling bar, resulting in severe trauma to the back of her head, and then moved the body under an evergreen tree. The body was discovered by an individual driving past the couple’s home.

“It is truly impossible to comprehend the visceral violence of the savage bludgeoning of this defenseless mother of four,” Glasgow said. “Sam’s ruthless beating of his wife as his innocent four-year-old son witnessed the atrocity is irrefutable evidence of an abandoned and malignant heart. Prison cannot undo the horror this cold-blooded murderer perpetrated upon his family.”

Three of Sam’s four children testified during the course of trial. He had faced a range of 20 to 60 years in prison. The jury spent less than three hours deliberating Sam’s guilt. In addition to the murder conviction, he previously had pled guilty to battery involving his wife.

Glasgow praised the Tinley Park police for their work in investigating the crime, the hard work of Assistant State’s Attorneys Steve Platek and Tom Slazyk who prosecuted the case, victim advocate Kelly Sullivan, and Gus Martinucci who provided audio and video assistance throughout the course of the trial.

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State’s Attorney James Glasgow Announces Forfeiture Of Nine Dogs Including Mother and Six Newborn Puppies

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March 16, 2020

JOLIET – State’s Attorney James Glasgow has announced that two dog owners being prosecuted for cruelty to animals by the State’s Attorney’s Animal Protection Unit have forfeited nine canines – including six puppies born Saturday to the female mother dog named “Baby” – who had been living in an abandoned property at 1107 Magnolia Street in Joliet. The animals are now at Joliet Township Animal Control where they are being made available for adoption.

“In cases involving allegations of animal abuse and neglect, it is important to prevent possible harm to these innocent and trusting creatures,” Glasgow said. “That is why the Animal Protection Unit I created in the State’s Attorney’s Office is so vital. This special Unit addresses cases of animal neglect and abuse with an eye toward protection as well as prosecution. The forfeiture of these nine companion animals is a perfect example of how this Unit protects our domestic companions in the course of prosecuting cases involving animal abuse and neglect.”

Glasgow recently received a national award from the Animal Legal Defense Fund as one of the nation’s Top Ten Animal Defenders for his work in establishing the Animal Protection Unit and in creating The League of Extraordinary Canines & Friends, a countywide initiative designed to combat animal cruelty and abuse through advocacy, communications, cooperative efforts with animal humane and rescue organizations, the specialized animal protection unit in the State’s Attorney’s office, the law enforcement community, and all local units of government.

“Like humans, animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear,” Glasgow said. “Prosecuting animal abuse and neglect is important, but we must remember that it is just as important to remove animals from situations in which they are suffering.”

The two defendants in this matter still face charges for cruelty to animals.

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State’s Attorney Glasgow Establishes Election Fraud Hotline, Urges Public to Report Election Irregularities

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March 16, 2020

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow today urged citizens to report election irregularities to his office’s Election Fraud Hotline during the March 17, 2020, Primary Election.

“Each member of our community can play a major role in helping to preserve the integrity of our election process by staying alert for unusual activities at or near polling places and reporting irregularities,” Glasgow said. “That is why I have established a telephone hotline for citizens to report inappropriate activity, such as passing out campaign literature or other acts of electioneering either inside or too close to polling places.”

The State’s Attorney’s Election Fraud Hotline number is (815) 727-8872.

State’s Attorney Glasgow has assigned two-person teams, each consisting of one assistant state’s attorney and one investigator, to travel to polling places where irregularities are reported 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.

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