Murder Victim ID’ed Cause of Death Released

Vander Tuuk 6-5-19

(Waukegan, IL) The Lake County Coroner has released the identity of a Zion area murder victim. Dr. Howard Cooper’s office said 41-year-old La Torrance Finch of Waukegan died on May 31st as a result of complications from sharp force trauma. 40-year-old Joseph Rollins, also of Waukegan, has been charged with murder in the case. The suspect and victim were said to have a domestic relationship. Bond for Rollins sits at 2-million-dollars.

Hit and Run Arrest in RLH

Vander Tuuk 6-5-19

(Round Lake Heights, IL) A Fox Lake man is free on bond, after being arrested in connection with a hit-and-run in Round Lake Heights. The incident took place on May 18th, and left a 63-year-old woman with serious injuries. Police say Andrew Colwell now faces one felony count of failure to report an accident involving personal injury. The 36-year-old was released on a 50-thousand-dollar bond, his future court dates are currently unknown.

Divers Search For Missing Man

Vander Tuuk 6-5-19

(Fox Lake, IL) Rescue divers have searched waters near Fox Lake for the body of a man reported missing on May 8th. Family and friends of David Gilenna say they hadn’t been able to contact him for more than a week before they made the report. Divers and sonar crews were out Tuesday checking an inlet of Dunns Lake near where the 57-year-old lived. Anyone with more information on the missing man is being encouraged to contact Fox Lake Police.

Man Sues Sheriff, Jail, Over Treatment

Vander Tuuk 5-6-19

(Waukegan, IL) A Winthrop Harbor man has sued the Lake County Sheriff and several others over alleged mistreatment while in the Lake County Jail. The suit, filed by David Kiesler alleges that some medical issues he had were not properly looked into or treated while he was at the jail, and that he actually re-aggravated an injury after being pushed by a guard. He also claimed he wasn’t allowed to make phone calls to family or his attorney, despite repeated pleas. Sheriff John Idleburg says he hasn’t seen the lawsuit, but said Kiesler didn’t make any formal complaints while he was in custody, or after his release earlier this year. The suit seeks damages of over 50-thousand-dollars.

Chicago Alderman Burke pleads not guilty in corruption case

Associated Press 6-5-19

CHICAGO (AP) One of the most powerful aldermen in Chicago’s history has pleaded not guilty to federal political corruption charges. Ed Burke entered the plea Tuesday after a superseding indictment last week accused the 50-year Chicago City Council veteran of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion. Burke has called the indictment unfounded. He is accused of using his aldermanic powers to extort work for his law firm and other favors from companies and individuals doing business with the city. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has called on him to resign , saying the indictment shows the 75-year-old used his position in government to enrich himself. The indictment follows charges in January accusing Burke of trying to shake down a fast-food business seeking city remodeling permits.