Law & Order column: Lake County Special Investigation Group reports record year
The Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigation Group tallied a record-breaking year in 2024, the sheriff's office reported.
The SIG, which investigates drug, gun and labor trafficking, made more than 80 arrests last year resulting from 156 investigations the group began. The team, along with its federal partners, seized $24 million in drugs, 130 illegally possessed firearms and 58 machine gun conversion devices, the sheriff's office reported.
Among the drug seizures were 173 pounds of methamphetamine and 100 pounds of illegally trafficked marijuana.
'The work done by SIG in 2024 is nothing short of extraordinary,' Sheriff John Idleburg said. 'These results represent safer communities, disrupted criminal enterprises, and lives saved. I am so proud of the partnerships we have with both our federal and local law enforcement partners. These relationships truly make our community safer, and I could not be any prouder of the work done by those assigned to SIG.'
SIG rescued 11 people from human trafficking last year. In addition, the group presented a number of presentations around Lake County to educate and raise awareness about human trafficking.
Cop on a Rooftop
Police officers around Lake County will be taking to the roofs of Dunkin' Donuts locations on May 16 as part of their annual drive to help the Illinois Special Olympics.
The Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser is now in its 22nd year and has raised more than $10 million to help Special Olympics. The participating departments will offer sale items and encourage people to donate to the cause.
The event usually starts first thing, at 5 a.m., and goes until noon. Check your local police department's Facebook page for additional information.
Law Day
Members of the Lake County legal community came together on May 2 for the annual Law Day observance with students from around the county.
The day of activities at the county courthouse began with a welcome from 19th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Daniel Shanes and Circuit Court Judge Reginald Matthews.
Students were given a K-9 demonstration, and took tours of the sheriff's office and the coroner's office before taking in a mock sentencing hearing.
In the afternoon, students, who ranged in age from kindergarten through high school, were recognized for their winning entries in coloring, illustration and essay contests. More than 350 entries were received this year.
The activities are sponsored by the Lake County Bar Association, and many attorneys, including prosecutors and public defenders, took part in the event.
Law Day was established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958 to recognize the importance of government under law.
Traffic Safety Initiative
Illinois Route 59 runs right through Wauconda, as it makes its way south through suburban Chicago.
Wauconda police were scheduled to once again take part in the annual Regional Route 59 Traffic Safety Initiative on May 9. Agencies up and down the roadway between Lake and Will counties were going to attempt to increase motor safety through a combination of enforcement and education efforts.
WPD said it would be paying special attention to speed, distracted driving and restraint issues.
Flag stolen
A Lake Villa area woman was ordered detained until trial after she pummeled her neighbor and stole the neighbor's American flag from outside the house, police said.
A Lake County judge ordered Kristi B. Tyler detained after a hearing this month.
She was arrested May 1 after the incident in the 37700 block of North Delaby Road.
According to police, Tyler, 53, attacked a female neighbor in her 70s outside the neighbor's home. Tyler struck the neighbor in the face without provocation, police said, and began kicking and punching her as she lay on the ground. Tyler then took the neighbor's flag and ran away, according to reports.
A day before the incident, Fox Lake police arrested Tyler for driving under the influence and speeding. A police officer clocked Tyler driving 101 mph on U.S. Route 12 at about 12:15 a.m. on April 30, according to Fox Lake police. She showed signs of impairment after the officer pulled her over, police said.
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