Latest news with #RobertBerlin
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
DuPage state's attorney launches new Animal Protection Unit
The DuPage County state's attorney's office is launching a new Animal Protection Unit, officials announced. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, it will be focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. 'This issue has been a priority for me for a long time,' State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. 'I'm grateful that we have the resources to implement a unit like this because I just think it's so good for our community and our county.' His office has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases, owner neglect cases and in the number of petitions it has had to file in civil court seeking forfeiture of animals because of cruelty or neglect, he said. As of Friday, about 35 cases concerning animal cruelty, violations of the Illinois Animal Control Act or animal endangerment were pending. 'Rather than have these cases spread out amongst different prosecutors, because they're so important … in the community, I thought that we should have a specialized unit made up of a small group of prosecutors who are trained in these cases (and) have a specialty (so) they can really handle them from start to finish,' Berlin said. The unit will partner with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services — as well as the community — to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases, according to the state's attorney's office. Further, the unit will also provide additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said. A few years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results. Just last week, a Naperville man was sentenced to prison after beating his family's dog to death following an argument with his partner. Alongside prosecution, the new Animal Protection Unit will engage in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws and available resources for those who need help with animal care, per the state's attorney's office. Berlin said he's hoping the unit will be able to participate in school education programs as well as train police and animal control officers across the county so local authorities are also better equipped to handle these kinds of cases. Training would include what to look for, information on animal cruelty laws, investigative techniques and appropriate handling of animals during seizures, he said. 'Hopefully, by prosecuting defendants for these crimes (and) holding them accountable, we're going to do two things: we're going to remove violent offenders from the street, and we're going to deter others from doing the same thing,' Berlin said. 'And that makes the community safer. 'Just like children and just like seniors, our animals are some of our most vulnerable victims. They can't speak for themselves. We have to speak for them.' tkenny@
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
DuPage state's attorney launches new Animal Protection Unit
The DuPage County state's attorney's office is launching a new Animal Protection Unit, officials announced. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, it will be focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. 'This issue has been a priority for me for a long time,' State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. 'I'm grateful that we have the resources to implement a unit like this because I just think it's so good for our community and our county.' His office has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases, owner neglect cases and in the number of petitions it has had to file in civil court seeking forfeiture of animals because of cruelty or neglect, he said. As of Friday, about 35 cases concerning animal cruelty, violations of the Illinois Animal Control Act or animal endangerment were pending. 'Rather than have these cases spread out amongst different prosecutors, because they're so important … in the community, I thought that we should have a specialized unit made up of a small group of prosecutors who are trained in these cases (and) have a specialty (so) they can really handle them from start to finish,' Berlin said. The unit will partner with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services — as well as the community — to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases, according to the state's attorney's office. Further, the unit will also provide additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said. A few years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results. Just last week, a Naperville man was sentenced to prison after beating his family's dog to death following an argument with his partner. Alongside prosecution, the new Animal Protection Unit will engage in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws and available resources for those who need help with animal care, per the state's attorney's office. Berlin said he's hoping the unit will be able to participate in school education programs as well as train police and animal control officers across the county so local authorities are also better equipped to handle these kinds of cases. Training would include what to look for, information on animal cruelty laws, investigative techniques and appropriate handling of animals during seizures, he said. 'Hopefully, by prosecuting defendants for these crimes (and) holding them accountable, we're going to do two things: we're going to remove violent offenders from the street, and we're going to deter others from doing the same thing,' Berlin said. 'And that makes the community safer. 'Just like children and just like seniors, our animals are some of our most vulnerable victims. They can't speak for themselves. We have to speak for them.' tkenny@
Chicago Tribune
07-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
DuPage state's attorney launches new Animal Protection Unit
The DuPage County state's attorney's office is launching a new Animal Protection Unit, officials announced. Comprised of a team of specially trained prosecutors, it will be focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. 'This issue has been a priority for me for a long time,' State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. 'I'm grateful that we have the resources to implement a unit like this because I just think it's so good for our community and our county.' His office has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases, owner neglect cases and in the number of petitions it has had to file in civil court seeking forfeiture of animals because of cruelty or neglect, he said. As of Friday, about 35 cases concerning animal cruelty, violations of the Illinois Animal Control Act or animal endangerment were pending. 'Rather than have these cases spread out amongst different prosecutors, because they're so important … in the community, I thought that we should have a specialized unit made up of a small group of prosecutors who are trained in these cases (and) have a specialty (so) they can really handle them from start to finish,' Berlin said. The unit will partner with law enforcement agencies and DuPage County Animal Services — as well as the community — to provide a comprehensive, focused approach to prosecuting local animal cruelty cases, according to the state's attorney's office. Further, the unit will also provide additional legal protections for those at risk of domestic violence, which can be linked to animal abuse, a news release on the new team said. A few years ago, the Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline conducted a survey of nearly 2,500 people focused on how domestic violence affects survivors with pets and their families. Among respondents, 37% said their abuser had threatened to harm or kill a pet and 29% said the abuser had actually harmed or killed pets, per a 2021 report of survey results. Just last week, a Naperville man was sentenced to prison after beating his family's dog to death following an argument with his partner. Alongside prosecution, the new Animal Protection Unit will engage in public outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws and available resources for those who need help with animal care, per the state's attorney's office. Berlin said he's hoping the unit will be able to participate in school education programs as well as train police and animal control officers across the county so local authorities are also better equipped to handle these kinds of cases. Training would include what to look for, information on animal cruelty laws, investigative techniques and appropriate handling of animals during seizures, he said. 'Hopefully, by prosecuting defendants for these crimes (and) holding them accountable, we're going to do two things: we're going to remove violent offenders from the street, and we're going to deter others from doing the same thing,' Berlin said. 'And that makes the community safer. 'Just like children and just like seniors, our animals are some of our most vulnerable victims. They can't speak for themselves. We have to speak for them.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Second juvenile charged in Downers Grove armed robbery: prosecutors
The Brief A 17-year-old Aurora boy has been charged in an April armed robbery in Downers Grove. The victim was robbed at gunpoint by a group who took $110. One of the teens was arrested in Colorado and returned to DuPage County. DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - A second teenager has been charged in connection with an armed robbery that targeted a woman walking alone in Downers Grove last month, authorities said. What we know The 17-year-old boy, a Venezuelan national living in Aurora, appeared in court Thursday morning for a detention hearing. A judge ordered him held until at least his next court appearance, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. He is charged with one count of armed robbery with a firearm, a Class X felony, stemming from a robbery that occurred just after 8:30 p.m. on April 22 in the 4900 block of Forest Avenue. The backstory Downers Grove police said a woman was walking alone when she was approached by four people. One of them tried to grab her purse while another lifted his shirt to show a handgun in his waistband and shouted, "Money, money." The woman handed over $110 before the group fled, according to prosecutors. Further investigation led to one juvenile being charged on Thursday and another juvenile who was found to be living in Colorado, according to the state's attorney. A judge issued an arrest warrant for the juvenile in Colorado on May 7. The juvenile was then brought back to DuPage County on May 16 to face charges. What they're saying "The apprehension of a second individual allegedly involved in the armed robbery of an innocent woman as she was walking home demonstrates DuPage County law enforcement's commitment to the safety of our residents, communities and businesses," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "As I said when this juvenile's co-respondent was charged, lawlessness is not who we are in DuPage County and anyone who chooses to engage in the type of behavior as alleged in this case will be held accountable. Again, I commend the Downers Grove Police Department for their efforts in the identification and apprehension of a second suspect in this case. I also thank Assistant State's Attorney Nick Catizone for his efforts in preparing a strong case against both juvenile suspects." "I am pleased that we were able to bring this investigation of a serious violent crime that occurred near our downtown business district to a conclusion with the arrests of two offenders for armed robbery," Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries said. "I commend our Investigations Unit for their diligence over several weeks to identify and apprehend all offenders related to this incident. I would like to thank DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and his office, as well as the Aurora Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
5 Chicago migrant boys stole from Oak Brook mall, one had large knife while another threw a punch: prosecutors
The Brief Five Venezuelan migrant juveniles face felony charges after two separate retail thefts in Oak Brook. One juvenile was allegedly carrying a 13-inch knife during a Macy's theft; another incident involved a struggle with a loss prevention officer. Three of the juveniles were ordered detained. DUPAGE COUNTY - Five juveniles, all identified as Venezuelan migrants from Chicago, are facing felony charges in connection with two separate retail thefts at Oakbrook Center shopping mall, authorities announced Tuesday. What we know The five boys were charged after incidents at Nordstrom and Macy's on May 5, according to prosecutors. Around 3 p.m., Oak Brook police responded to a theft at Nordstrom involving three juveniles. Authorities say one entered a fitting room while the others passed him clothing items. When they tried to leave, a loss prevention officer — who had noticed a $138 item was missing from the store — confronted them. A physical altercation followed, during which one of the juveniles allegedly threw a punch. All three fled into the mall but were arrested after a short foot chase. In the incident at Macy's, around 3:42 p.m., police say two juveniles entered the store and selected six items of clothing worth more than $300. They allegedly entered a fitting room, removed the security tags, and walked out without paying. Officers stopped them outside and found a thirteen-inch kitchen knife—with an eight-inch blade—in the waistband of one of the boys, according to police. What they're saying "In DuPage County, we will not stand for the type of behavior alleged against these defendants… What I find particularly troubling is the allegation that in one of the incidents, one of the accused armed himself with a thirteen-inch knife. Thankfully, no one was injured," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "These five illegal migrants came to Oak Brook with criminal intentions and they were met with a large scale police response to bring them to justice," Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis added. "The offenders believed they could outrun the police and one was armed with a large knife. They found out that our officers are well prepared for any incident they encounter and we will continue to proactively police our borders." What's next All five juveniles are charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony. The group of three are also charged with robbery (Class 2 felony), resisting a police officer (misdemeanor), and retail theft (misdemeanor), while one of them faces an additional count of assault (misdemeanor). The group of two are also charged with retail theft (Class 3 felony), while one of them faces a count of armed violence (Class X felony) and resisting a police officer (misdemeanor). A judge on Tuesday ordered three of the five juveniles detained. The Source The information in this article was provided by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office and Oak Brook Police Department.
