2 days ago
Homer Glen man charged with threatening representative found unfit for trial
A Homer Glen man who was charged earlier this year with threatening state Rep. Nicole La Ha was found this week unfit to stand trial in Will County Circuit Court.
Steven Brady, 41, of the 13100 block of Rado Drive, faces charges of threatening a public official, a felony, and harassment through electronic communications, a misdemeanor, for allegedly contacting La Ha through her website and saying he would harm the representative and her family.
Brady was evaluated by a licensed psychiatrist and he was found unfit to stand trial, but he is likely to be restored to fitness within a year, according to court documents.
Brady, who was ordered held after his arrest in May, has been remanded to the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services for inpatient treatment, Laura Byrne, a spokesperson for the Will County state's attorney's office, said in an email.
He will next appear in court Sept. 9 for a status hearing on his fitness.
The case is still pending and charges have not been dropped, but the fitness issue needs to be addressed first, Byrne said.
The Will County public defender's office, which is representing Brady, did not return a message seeking comment.
A spokesman for La Ha released a statement on her behalf.
'I'm relieved this individual is getting the help he needs,' La Ha's statement said. 'My hope is that this leads to a safer outcome for everyone involved.'
Illinois State Police arrested Brady May 19 after they were notified of the alleged threat made through La Ha's website on May 15 and 16.
Messages contained expletives, accused La Ha of committing crimes, referenced her family and included threats such as 'say goodbye to your old friends and family' and 'orders have been delivered,' according to Will County court documents.
When officers came into contact with Brady, he allegedly said 'you got my message' and informed police he wanted political figures arrested for stealing from him, according to court documents. He also confirmed the email address used to submit the threats belonged to him, court documents said.
La Ha was a Homer Glen trustee from 2021-2023. She has represented the 82nd District, which includes areas of DuPage, Will and Cook counties, since 2023.
La Ha, a Homer Glen Republican, was recognized by the National Foundation for Women Legislators with the '2024 Elected Women of Excellence Award.
