Latest news with #PrisonerReviewBoard
Independent Singapore
22-05-2025
- Independent Singapore
Amos Yee to remain in US jail another six months, faces possible lifetime monitoring
Convicted sex offender and former Singaporean blogger Amos Yee will remain behind bars in the United States for at least another six months, following a ruling by Illinois state authorities. The 26-year-old, who was initially scheduled for parole in April, now faces a projected release date of November 7, 2025. A search on the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) website shows that Yee's new parole date falls exactly two years after his re-incarceration in 2023. His projected discharge date, which marks the end of mandatory supervised release, has also been updated — it now ranges from three years to life, subject to further review. Under Illinois law, an offender's discharge date reflects when they are officially released from parole, also known as mandatory supervised release. 'Amos Yee is not eligible to resume mandatory supervised release until Nov 7, 2025, due to the Prisoner Review Board determining he violated the terms of his release,' an IDOC spokesperson confirmed. The department did not elaborate on the nature of the violation. Yee is currently serving his sentence at Danville Correctional Center, a medium-security prison for adult males located nearly three hours from Chicago. He had previously been housed at Illinois River Correctional Center, another medium-security facility. The Singaporean made headlines nearly a decade ago as a teenage blogger known for his controversial posts. He fled to the US in December 2016, just before he was due to report for a medical check-up ahead of his national service enlistment. He was granted political asylum in 2017, claiming he had been persecuted in Singapore for his views. But trouble followed him across the Pacific. In 2020, he was arrested for sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl living in Texas. Investigators found that he had asked the teenager to send him nude photos, and in return, sent explicit images of himself. The two had exchanged thousands of messages on WhatsApp, many of them involving sexual fantasies. The girl had repeatedly made her age clear to him. Yee pleaded guilty to grooming and possessing child pornography and was sentenced to six years in prison. He was initially held at Illinois River Correctional Center before being paroled in October 2023 — three years ahead of his full sentence. But just a month later, he was sent back to prison. The reasons remain unclear. Since his conviction, Yee has been listed on the US sex offender registry, which makes his name, offence and home address publicly available.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Responding to Crosetti Brand case, lawmakers pass bill emphasizing domestic violence training for Prisoner Review Board
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would emphasize domestic violence awareness training for members of the state's Prisoner Review Board, which came under criticism after releasing a man from state custody who then allegedly attacked a former girlfriend and fatally stabbed her young son. The Democratic-led House passed the legislation Tuesday by a near party-line vote of 74-37 and it now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker, who a spokesperson said Wednesday intends to sign the bill into law. The bill passed in the Senate last month, with three moderate Democrats joining Republicans in voting against it: Patrick Joyce of Reddick, Meg Loughran Cappel of Shorewood and Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs. The bill's passage came 14 months after authorities say Crosetti Brand broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment on Chicago's North Side and attacked her before fatally stabbing her son, 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, when the boy tried to come to her rescue. The 39-year-old Brand is on trial for the attack and Jayden's family has filed a lawsuit against the review board alleging negligence in the case. The case became a political challenge for Pritzker as the review board had been criticized a couple of years before the attack by state legislative Republicans for authorizing the early release of people convicted of killing police officers, children and committing mass murder. In light of Jayden's case, two review board members, including the chairman, resigned. The crime also led to the appointment of an executive director for the board. Pritzker was also critical of how Brand's case was handled. 'It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve and I am committed to ensuring additional safeguards and training are in place to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,' the governor said last year. Since then, there have been at least two efforts to reform the review board but those have failed to get through the General Assembly. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat and a leader of the reform efforts, said a version of the bill that failed to pass during the lame-duck session in early January didn't do enough to address domestic violence issues, which is why she especially welcomed the passage of the revamped bill. 'This is everything that I worked on with the advocates,' Cassidy, who worked on the bill with Chicago Democratic Rep. Will Guzzardi, said Tuesday. 'In the lame-duck version, absolutely none of the domestic violence advocates' materials were included. It just was simply omitted.' Under the bill sent to Pritzker, the review board is required to run a Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, or LEADS, report, which typically has information about a person's criminal history including orders of protection filed against them, before making a decision on whether to revoke someone's parole or mandatory supervised release. The board within 60 days must also publish on its website its decision and the name and identification number of individuals accused of violating their terms of release. Board members currently must have five years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, law, education, sociology, social work, medicine, psychology or other behavioral sciences. The bill would expand those requirements to include 'advocacy for victims of crime and their families, advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or intimate partner violence.' In addition, the bill would require seven of the board's maximum 15 members to have at least five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, parole officer, prosecutor, criminal defense lawyer or judge. Board members are appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate. The legislation would require board members to participate annually in 20 hours of training on topics including domestic violence, restorative justice, racial bias, mental health and trauma. They would also be required to be trained on lethality of domestic violence and gender-based violence. Republican lawmakers supported an earlier version of the bill that included a requirement that recordings of much of the board's hearings be made public. The GOP also raised concerns about why the terms of the board members were extended from six years to eight years, arguing that could limit the Senate's consent role in appointments. 'My concern is that you've got these members who are now going to be in office for eight years and they are going to have less accountability than they had before and that's not a good thing,' said Sen. Steve McClure, a Republican from Springfield and an ardent critic of the Pritzker administration's handling of the review board. 'That's a public safety issue. And this is all in light of the fact that we lost a brave hero in our state, Jayden Perkins, who was trying to defend his mother last year.' Democrats, including Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, contended the eight-year terms would help board members be more effective. 'I think with an eight-year term, members will be less concerned about being reappointed and will serve their term and do the best work that they can do,' Harmon said.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: Illinois lawmakers pass Prisoner Review Board reforms
Good afternoon, Chicago. Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would emphasize domestic violence awareness training for members of the state's Prisoner Review Board, which came under criticism after releasing a man from state custody who then allegedly attacked a former girlfriend and fatally stabbed her young son. The bill's passage came 14 months after authorities say Crosetti Brand broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment on Chicago's North Side and attacked her before fatally stabbing her son, 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, when the boy tried to come to her rescue. The 39-year-old Brand is on trial for the attack and Jayden's family has filed a lawsuit against the review board alleging negligence in the case. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into war-torn Gaza, decrying the violence and suffering in the Middle East during his first general audience as pope today in St. Peter's Square. Read more here. More top news stories: Judge acquits suburban men of aggravated battery, robbery in Mount Greenwood bar brawl AmeriCorps cuts leave Chicago programs serving kids facing diminished summer Country Club Hills District 160 Board spent $25K on conferences last year; parents raise concerns over school conditions Burton Odelson, the village attorney, told Elite Street that Dolton's recently sworn-in mayor, Jason House, made the decision to proceed with the acquisition with the consent of the Dolton Village Board. Read more here. More top business stories: Target sales drop in 1st quarter and retailer warns they will slip for all of 2025 Environmental advocates worry about Cleveland-Cliffs delayed maintenance Jameson Taillon (3-3) scattered one run and four hits over seven innings. The right-hander walked three and struck out two to snap a two-start losing streak. Read more here. More top sports stories: NFL teams can keep using the tush push after owners vote down proposed ban Man is charged with providing alcohol to 20-year-old Pittsburgh fan who fell from PNC Park outfield wall Some artworks bring the suppressed queerness of their makers or their subjects to the fore. 'The Man in Black' is a 1913 portrait of Art Institute benefactor Robert Henry Allerton by Glyn Philpot, an acclaimed British painter whose work appears throughout 'The First Homosexuals.' Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: 'Couples Therapy' review: The best unscripted show about working through conflict — while the cameras watch — returns for a new season Review: Tom Cruise holds the key to 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' With President Donald Trump's multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package at risk of stalling, House Speaker Mike Johnson and conservative Republican holdouts headed to the White House for the last-ditch talks to salvage the 'big, beautiful bill.' Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Iran insists it will never stop enriching uranium as US says it must if a new deal is to be reached Rapper Kid Cudi to testify at Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial this week
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Illinois lawmakers pass Prisoner Review Board reforms
Good afternoon, Chicago. Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would emphasize domestic violence awareness training for members of the state's Prisoner Review Board, which came under criticism after releasing a man from state custody who then allegedly attacked a former girlfriend and fatally stabbed her young son. The bill's passage came 14 months after authorities say Crosetti Brand broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment on Chicago's North Side and attacked her before fatally stabbing her son, 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, when the boy tried to come to her rescue. The 39-year-old Brand is on trial for the attack and Jayden's family has filed a lawsuit against the review board alleging negligence in the case. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into war-torn Gaza, decrying the violence and suffering in the Middle East during his first general audience as pope today in St. Peter's Square. Read more here. More top news stories: Burton Odelson, the village attorney, told Elite Street that Dolton's recently sworn-in mayor, Jason House, made the decision to proceed with the acquisition with the consent of the Dolton Village Board. Read more here. More top business stories: Jameson Taillon (3-3) scattered one run and four hits over seven innings. The right-hander walked three and struck out two to snap a two-start losing streak. Read more here. More top sports stories: Some artworks bring the suppressed queerness of their makers or their subjects to the fore. 'The Man in Black' is a 1913 portrait of Art Institute benefactor Robert Henry Allerton by Glyn Philpot, an acclaimed British painter whose work appears throughout 'The First Homosexuals.' Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: With President Donald Trump's multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package at risk of stalling, House Speaker Mike Johnson and conservative Republican holdouts headed to the White House for the last-ditch talks to salvage the 'big, beautiful bill.' Read more here. More top stories from around the world:
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Responding to Crosetti Brand case, lawmakers pass bill emphasizing domestic violence training for Prisoner Review Board
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill that would emphasize domestic violence awareness training for members of the state's Prisoner Review Board, which came under criticism after releasing a man from state custody who then allegedly attacked a former girlfriend and fatally stabbed her young son. The Democratic-led House passed the legislation Tuesday by a near party-line vote of 74-37 and it now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker, who a spokesperson said Wednesday intends to sign the bill into law. The bill passed in the Senate last month, with three moderate Democrats joining Republicans in voting against it: Patrick Joyce of Reddick, Meg Loughran Cappel of Shorewood and Suzy Glowiak Hilton of Western Springs. The bill's passage came 14 months after authorities say Crosetti Brand broke into his ex-girlfriend's apartment on Chicago's North Side and attacked her before fatally stabbing her son, 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, when the boy tried to come to her rescue. The 39-year-old Brand is on trial for the attack and Jayden's family has filed a lawsuit against the review board alleging negligence in the case. The case became a political challenge for Pritzker as the review board had been criticized a couple of years before the attack by state legislative Republicans for authorizing the early release of people convicted of killing police officers, children and committing mass murder. In light of Jayden's case, two review board members, including the chairman, resigned. The crime also led to the appointment of an executive director for the board. Pritzker was also critical of how Brand's case was handled. 'It is clear that evidence in this case was not given the careful consideration that victims of domestic violence deserve and I am committed to ensuring additional safeguards and training are in place to prevent tragedies like this from happening again,' the governor said last year. Since then, there have been at least two efforts to reform the review board but those have failed to get through the General Assembly. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat and a leader of the reform efforts, said a version of the bill that failed to pass during the lame-duck session in early January didn't do enough to address domestic violence issues, which is why she especially welcomed the passage of the revamped bill. 'This is everything that I worked on with the advocates,' Cassidy, who worked on the bill with Chicago Democratic Rep. Will Guzzardi, said Tuesday. 'In the lame-duck version, absolutely none of the domestic violence advocates' materials were included. It just was simply omitted.' Under the bill sent to Pritzker, the review board is required to run a Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, or LEADS, report, which typically has information about a person's criminal history including orders of protection filed against them, before making a decision on whether to revoke someone's parole or mandatory supervised release. The board within 60 days must also publish on its website its decision and the name and identification number of individuals accused of violating their terms of release. Board members currently must have five years of experience in corrections, law enforcement, law, education, sociology, social work, medicine, psychology or other behavioral sciences. The bill would expand those requirements to include 'advocacy for victims of crime and their families, advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, or intimate partner violence.' In addition, the bill would require seven of the board's maximum 15 members to have at least five years of experience as a law enforcement officer, parole officer, prosecutor, criminal defense lawyer or judge. Board members are appointed by the governor with consent of the Senate. The legislation would require board members to participate annually in 20 hours of training on topics including domestic violence, restorative justice, racial bias, mental health and trauma. They would also be required to be trained on lethality of domestic violence and gender-based violence. Republican lawmakers supported an earlier version of the bill that included a requirement that recordings of much of the board's hearings be made public. The GOP also raised concerns about why the terms of the board members were extended from six years to eight years, arguing that could limit the Senate's consent role in appointments. 'My concern is that you've got these members who are now going to be in office for eight years and they are going to have less accountability than they had before and that's not a good thing,' said Sen. Steve McClure, a Republican from Springfield and an ardent critic of the Pritzker administration's handling of the review board. 'That's a public safety issue. And this is all in light of the fact that we lost a brave hero in our state, Jayden Perkins, who was trying to defend his mother last year.' Democrats, including Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, contended the eight-year terms would help board members be more effective. 'I think with an eight-year term, members will be less concerned about being reappointed and will serve their term and do the best work that they can do,' Harmon said.
