Saturday, August 10, 2024

Cook County Sheriff's Police Prostitution Sting Sees Ten Men Accused as Johns

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Ten men were snagged in an undercover prostitution sting operation conducted earlier this month in the 4800 block of South Cicero Avenue.

The sting was conducted by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. A CCSO spokesperson told the Southwest Chicago Post that each man was cited for "solicitation of sexual acts"--a citation that carries a $1,000 fine. Additionally, each man's vehicle was towed and impounded.
Rodney Jackson


The spokesperson declined to name the men or provide any other information--except in one case.

That man, identified as Rodney Jackson, 29, of Chicago, was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after investigators found 11 grams of suspect cocaine in his vehicle, the spokesperson said.

Prostitution and related crimes have been a problem along Cicero Avenue, mostly from about 43rd Street south to Archer Avenue, for at least the last 50 years.
A CCSO van used to process the accused men.

CCSO Police have arrested and fined more than 50 individuals throughout the county this year as part of their ongoing strategy to reduce the demand for human and sex trafficking, officials said in a statement.

The refusal to release the names of men accused of being johns mirrors the policy of the Chicago Police Department--and stands in contrast to policies relating to people accused of prostitution (almost entirely women), where names and mugshots are routinely released.






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Friday, August 9, 2024

Charge Berwyn Man With Archer Heights, Garfield Ridge Carjackings

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A 18-year-old Berwyn man has been charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking in connection with two crimes that occurred on Saturday, July 13.
Isaiah Martinez

 
Isaiah Martinez, of the 1600 block of South Highland Avenue, was arrested by the Chicago Police Vehicular Hijacking Task Force the 7000 block of West Cermak on Thursday, August 8.

Police said he is one of several people who carjacked and robbed a 52-year-old man at gunpoint at about 1:30 a.m. in the 5200 block of South Kolin; and then carjacked a 51-year-old man at 3:24 a.m. in the 5200 block of West 55th Street.

Martinez is set to appear at a detention hearing in court at 26th and California on Saturday, August 10.

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Thursday, August 1, 2024

Crime News Update

             Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


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Traffic stop leads to Vittum Park weapons rap

A 30-year-old man from suburban Markham was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a license expired for more than a year after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 4814 W. 50th St. at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 2.
Greer


Joshua K. Greer Jr., of the 16500 block of South Winchester, allegedly carried a loaded handgun in a fanny pack, a CPD spokesman said. He also was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis after officers allegedly found several plastic bags containing cannabis in the vehicle.

According to public records, Greer has been arrested four times by CPD since 2016 on charges that included driving on a suspended license, driving an unregistered vehicle and obstructing identification.



Say man drove on suspended license
Arnold



A 40-year-old Hearst area man was charged with driving on a suspended license after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 4850 S. Cicero at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday, July 3.

Roderick E. Arnold, of the 4500 block of South Lavergne, was apprehended without incident.

According to public records, Arnold has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and violating parole by having contact with gang members.




Say woman would not leave MDW
Rueda

A 26-year-old Brighton Park woman was charged with criminal trespass to state land after she was arrested at Midway International Airport at 7:17 a.m. Sunday, June 23. 


Eileen Rueda, of the 4300 block of South Talman, allegedly refused to leave airport grounds when ordered to do so, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Rueda has been arrested three times by CPD since 2019 on such charges as criminal trespass to a vehicle, criminal damage to property and assault.


Charged with two counts of domestic battery
Martinez


A 54-year-old West Lawn man was charged with two counts of domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6300 block of South Knox at 9:16 p.m. Sunday, June 23.

Benigno Martinez allegedly slapped a 20-year-old man in the head during an argument. When a 47-year-old woman reportedly tried to intervene, Martinez allegedly grabbed her by her cheeks and verbally threatened her, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Martinez was arrested at his home by CPD in November 2021 and charged with domestic battery.



Man charged with drug possession on 55th Street

Borczyk

A 34-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested at the gas station at 4401 W. 55th Street at 11:53 a.m. Tuesday, June 25.

Lukasz A. Borczyk, of the 5300 block of South Kenneth, was found to be in possession of a substance believed to be heroin, a CPD spokesman said. Borczyk also was wanted on a warrant relating to a retail theft charge out of suburban Countryside.

According to public records, Borczyk was arrested by CPD in November 2019 at a store on the North Side and charged with retail theft.


Charged with domestic battery again
DeMichael


A 72-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6200 block of South Kilbourn at 7:24 p.m. Friday, June 28. 

Richard F. DeMichael allegedly grabbed a 67-year-old woman in the face during an argument. He also was charged with violating an order of protection.

According to public records, DeMichael has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2015 on such charges as domestic battery (five times), assault and aggravated assault.



Man busted on gun rap at MDW
Boyd



A 70-year-old man from Florissant, Mo. was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 1:02 p.m. Saturday, June 29. 



Jerry Wayne Boyd allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a loaded handgun in a carryon bag, a CPD spokesman said.



Say man tried to board jet with gun
Yoon



A 38-year-old man from the Central Illinois town of Westfield was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 8:43 a.m. Tuesday, July 2.


Paul Yoon allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a carryon bag containing a loaded handgun and extra ammunition, a CPD spokesman said.




Bust man on robbery rap near Orange Line

A 36-year-old man from suburban Harvey was charged with armed robbery after he was arrested in the 3500 block of South Leavitt at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, July 6.
Williams

 
Leondes R. Williams, of the 15900 block of South Halsted, allegedly used a knife to rob an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman at the nearby CTA Orange Line station. Police responding to the scene said they saw Williams ditch a knife and a stolen cellphone in a yard.

Two counts of a hate crime were added because Williams allegedly made offensive remarks about the victims’ sexual orientation. Three counts of aggravated battery to a police officer were added after Williams allegedly struggled with arresting officers. 

According to public records, Williams has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as driving on a suspended license, unlawful use of a weapon, armed robbery, failure to register with authorities as a convicted gun offender, aggravated assault and battery.


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Friday, July 12, 2024

‘One Final Day of Summer Fun’

FunFest coming to Archer/Narragansett

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Boys and girls in Clearing and Garfield Ridge are welcome to attend the first-ever Dog Days of Summer FunFest, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 on the grounds of Garfield Ridge Baptist Church, 5520 S. Narragansett.

FunFest is the brainchild of local business leader Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, who is underwriting all costs. There is no admission charge.

“Later in August, kids will already be going back to school,” Randazzo said. “I just think it’s a good idea to give them one final day of summer fun as we move through the summer."

FunFest will offer block party-style enjoyment for the family, but especially kids: hot dogs, popcorn, music by a disc jockey, a colorful bouncy house and mechanical bull, airbrush tattoos, raffles and a photo booth.

“This is the type of festival that kids will be talking about years from now, when they tell their children and grandchildren about what life was like way back in 2024,” Randazzo added with a chuckle. “This neighborhood is a good place for a kld to grow up in, and FunFest is designed to contribute to that.”

Also, a Chicago Freeze ice cream truck will be on hand, sponsored by the Mike Riordan State Farm Agency. The first 75 children who stop by the State Farm table at the event will get a coupon for free ice cream. Parents in attendance are welcome to purchase ice cream for themselves, as well.

Haircuts for children will be offered at no charge by barbers from Union Fades.

“A big part of our ministry is family, so when Geno Randazzo reached out about putting this family festival together, we were happy to host it at our church,” said Pastor Harold Teesdale, who noted that Garfield Ridge Baptist has served the community since its founding in 1959. “We are looking forward to seeing everyone from the neighborhood come out and have a good time, as well as giving others a chance to get to know us a little better.” 

Reaction from parents and grandparents on local social media platforms appeared positive.

“This is so nice that a local business owner would go to this extent for the girls and boys of the neighborhood,” said Trish Montez. “I plan to bring my sons there, and maybe a couple of their friends.”

Monika Stajura said she likes “the idea that there’s also free haircuts for kids. That will help us save some money. Haircuts normally aren’t cheap. Expenses like that can add up.”

Amy Carrillo said she likes the “block party” idea of FunFest.

“A lot of kids live on blocks with no block parties, or they do but could not attend because their family was on vacation,” she said. “This thing Geno’s having gives those kids a chance to have the kind of fun they might have otherwise missed.”
 
Chuck Korbal said he hopes FunFest “is kept small, with a real neighborhood feel. Sometimes you see these big events attracting people who don’t live anywhere around here, and that kind of destroys the neighborhood vibe. This looks like it’s going to be small, but at the same time fun for kids who live right here, kids who could even walk there with their moms and dads.”


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