States Attorney
STATE’S ATTORNEY BIRKETT
ANNOUNCES OPERATION C.A.G.E.
(CIVIL ACTIONS AGAINST GANG ELEMENTS)
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that his office has filed a civil lawsuit against the Latin Kings street gang under the Illinois Street Gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act. Passed in 1993 by the Illinois General Assembly, this law recognizes the fact that street gangs are operating throughout Illinois, and through their actions, are terrorizing communities with repeated acts of violence. The filing of this action marks the second such time Birkett has used the Act in the County’s fight against street gangs. In 1999, Birkett filed the first ever such lawsuit in Illinois and successfully obtained Court relief that was used to disrupt the criminal actions of the Satan Disciples street gang operating in West Chicago.
“Street gangs have become a blight on our communities,” commented Birkett. “They have infiltrated our neighborhoods and our schools, preying on and recruiting our children. No family or community should have to endure this type of daily threat. The filing of today’s lawsuit is another tool we can use in our fight against street gangs.”
The lawsuit alleges that since 1998, members of the Latin Kings street gang engaged in, among other criminal activities, fatal shootings, beatings, unlawful possession and use of weapons, possession and delivery of controlled substances and criminal defacement of property. “Several of the individuals named in this complaint have been prosecuted and even sent to prison for their criminal actions but these convictions alone have not prevented further illegal activities of the gang. I believe that this long-term, pro-active prosecution of the entire gang will be more effective than short-term, reactive prosecution of individual gang members. I also believe that this action will spark even closer cooperation and collaboration between community agencies and our citizens to combat gang activity,” remarked Birkett.
The complaint seeks injunctive relief on the Latin Kings and all of its members. Birkett is requesting, among other things, an order from the Court prohibiting the gang and its members from; possessing or discharging any weapon; using, possessing, delivering, or manufacturing any illegal or controlled substance or cannabis; directing or participating in any assaults or battery. Birkett is also seeking monetary damages in excess of $50,000 each for Addison and Glendale Heights. In all, Birkett is seeking a Court order prohibiting sixteen specific categories of activities closely associated with street gang activity.
Yesterday morning, October 22, twenty-eight investigators from the Addison, Carol Stream and Glendale Heights Police Departments, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office served 22 of the 39 named defendants. Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Marchese, Supervisor of the Gang Crimes Unit, and Roberta O’Leary, Deputy Chief of the Civil Bureau will prosecute the case. The case has been assigned to Judge Edward Duncan.
“I would like to thank the Addison, Carol Stream and Glendale Heights Police Departments for their time, commitment and professionalism in this case,” commented Birkett. “Their assistance has been invaluable. I would also like to thank Andrew L. Traver, Special Agent in Charge for the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Sheriff John Zaruba and the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and cooperation, as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Marchese and Bobbie O’Leary for the extra time and effort they have put into preparing this case.”
Joining Birkett at the press conference was Addison Chief of Police William Hayden, Glendale Heights Chief of Police Michael Marron and investigators from Birkett’s office. Birkett has invited the State’s Attorneys from the collar counties as well as Cook County State’s Attorney Richard Devine to join him in the suit.
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