ASSISTANT STATE’S ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

WHEATON – Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeffrey Kendall, Roberta O’Leary and Thomas Vega were honored this morning by the Clarendon Hills Police Department for their dedication, professionalism and commitment that has become the hallmark of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.  Clarendon Hills Police Chief Patrick Anderson presented each of the Assistants a special Department Commendation on behalf of the Clarendon Hills Police and Fire Departments at an informal ceremony held in Birkett’s Office.

            On March 27, 2006, Jeff Kendall, Deputy Chief of Birkett’s Criminal Bureau, responded to the Clarendon Hills Police Department’s request for assistance into the murder investigation of eight year-old Lauren Lofquist.  Kendall’s diligence and commitment to the investigation were instrumental in the arrest and indictment of Neil Lofquist, Lauren’s father, on murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault charges.  In addition, Kendall went out of his way to ensure that the victims of the crime received the support they needed and assisted the Superintendent and Principals of School District 181 and the Village Board in their efforts to provide crisis counseling to teachers, students, parents and the community at large.

            For the past eighteen months, residents and guests at a Clarendon Hills motel have been subject to a rise in violent crime and drug activity at the motel.  Having exhausted their resource, the Village turned to the State’s Attorney’s Office for assistance.  Through in-depth legal review and case development, Roberta   O’Leary,   Deputy   Chief   of   Birkett’s   Civil Bureau,   determined   that   the   Nuisance   Abatement section of the Cannabis Control Act was applicable to the situation.  O’Leary’s efforts and unwavering focus on solving the problem resulted in a Court order that will increase the safety for not only the motel’s owner and patrons, but for the entire Village of Clarendon Hills as well.

            For the past several years, Tom Vega, of Birkett’s Public Integrity/Financial Crimes Bureau, has been relentless in his efforts with the Village of Clarendon Hills to remove dangerous drivers from local highways.  Through education, suggested enforcement strategies and aggressive prosecution, Vega is personally responsible for reducing the number of illegal drivers on Clarendon Hills roadways.  In addition, Vega has successfully prosecuted dozens of forfeiture cases sending a loud and clear message to repeat offenders that not only will they be arrested, but the vehicles that they illegally drive will be taken away from them.

“Often times, public officials do not receive the recognition they deserve,” commented Birkett.  “But they are out there every day, doing their job, working for the betterment of society.  Some put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform or wear their badge.  As a society, we cannot forget what they do for us.  Yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the terrorists’ attacks in Washington, D.C., New York and in a field in Pennsylvania.  Thousands of people perished in those vicious attacks including police officers, firefighters and other first responders - all public servants - who were trying to help others survive that horrific day.  With this in mind I would like to personally thank Jeff, Roberta and Tom, as well as all of our public servants, for their dedication, commitment, and concern to our well being.  Jeff Kendall, Roberta O’Leary and Tom Vega have dedicated their lives and their careers to protecting society.  They represent the very best in pubic service and I am extremely proud and honored to have each of them on my team,” Birkett concluded.           

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