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December 18, 2023
Justice for All
Dear residents and community leaders,
First, I want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. In between holiday events, I hope everyone can take a moment to read about some updates from our office.
The fall of 2023 was one of the most important times in the Office’s history as we prepared for a new pre-trial detention system, implemented the first paperless docket system in Lake County history, honored survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness month, and recognized the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.
Just as critically, we also invested heavily in the office and had the largest increase in prosecutor salaries in years. Every person in this office is an amazing public servant who works hourly to protect our communities. Our civil division has secured millions in opioid settlement funds and filed recent lawsuits against insulin distributors related to unfair pricing practices. Our Victim Services Division is working around the clock to prepare for the Higland Park Shooting trial and other important cases. Our investigators support local law enforcement and assist our prosecutors with witness and evidence preparation in order to secure justice in the courtroom.
Each of these public servants deserves to be compensated at (or above the market level.) But in 2019, the County concluded that our attorneys were paid “significantly below” market value.
I am so proud that we have finally secured raises for everyone in the office and that our attorneys will be paid a similar amount to prosecutors in neighboring counties. This was my third budget in which I asked for more resources, and we finally corrected what should have been fixed before 2019.
These increases will allow us to retain amazing public servants and to recruit the best applicants – all in the name of providing excellent, intelligent, and experienced legal representation for the People of Lake County. Please read more about our successes this fall, our office’s holiday celebrations, and our upcoming events.
Celebrating the Holidays
Our office has been getting into the holiday spirit this month with some fun, in-office and out-of-office celebrations. The LCSAO staff had a great time at our annual holiday party at Timothy O’Toole, the office had an ugly sweater contest, and we had a holiday door contest.
Take a look at some of the photos from the ugly sweater contest!
 The staff showed of their creativity decorating their doors and office spaces.
   Thank you to all the staff who participated and organized these wonderful events. We wish everyone happy and safe holidays!
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids “Cops and Tots” Event
In between reading some very entertaining books and discussing the importance of investing in early childhood programs such as this one, a thought came to me: When a crime has occurred, it already risks being the end of the story for too many young people. But if we invest early in their development – at the start of the story – then we can help rewrite the trajectory of their lives.
I am so proud of the work all Fight Crime: Invest in Kids members do to help children and families.
Lake County Veteran History Project
On Veteran’s Day, our office had the honor to participate in Lake County Veteran History Project again this year. Thank you to Lake County Veterans, for sharing their stories and allowing us to forever record these stories of sacrifice and service in the US Library of Congress. Thank you to Retired Judge Fusz who gave a deeply impactful speech and implored each of us to honor the sacrifices of our Veterans by living our best lives every day and helping others.
County Board Approves New State’s Attorney’s Budget, Targeting Financial Crimes
In November, the Lake County Board approved a new budget that will significantly reinforce Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart’s public safety initiatives. The budget included creating a Financial Crimes Division, and funding for victim specialists, a trial prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit, and technology upgrades relating to the increased use of police body cameras.
The new Financial Crimes Unit will target crimes such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and will also lead public education efforts and enhance law enforcement training with respect to investigating these types of complex crimes, according to the unit’s new chief, Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Berrill.
“This new unit will help protect vulnerable Lake County residents susceptible to financial exploitation due to age or disability,” Berrill said. “Additionally, our work will help safeguard the local business community who also may be at risk of corporate fraud.”
Our office appreciates the County Board’s intentional decision to prioritize public safety measures.
“With competitive salaries, technology upgrades, and increased staff, we can advance our mission of supporting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and protecting the community,” State’s Attorney Rinehart said.
Fall Law Enforcement Trainings
This past fall, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office hosted several law enforcement trainings on investigating cybercrimes, investigating drug-induced homicides, Illinois’ red flag laws, and partnered with A Safe Place to host a training on responding to domestic violence calls.
Thank you to all who attended. We will continue to host law enforcement training like these in 2024. Our office is committed to ensuring our justice partners have the right tools to continue keeping our communities safe.
Upcoming Events
Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) Upcoming Town Halls
We will be having a series of community town halls throughout Lake County in efforts of creating a Comprehensive Violence Reduction Plan. Information on how to register coming soon!
North Chicago Community Town Hall
Monday, January 8, 2024
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Greenbelt Cultural Center
1215 Green Bay Rd. North Chicago
Highland Park Community Town Hall
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Highland Park Public Library
494 Laurel Ave. Highland Park
Libertyville/Vernon Hills Community Town Hall
Thursday, January 18, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Aspen Drive Library
701 Aspen Dr. Vernon Hills
Protect Illinois Communities Act, Regulation on Assault Weapons - Deadline January 1, 2024
 Under the Protect Illinois Communities Act, Illinois residents who possess assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and other devices listed in the Act, are required to submit an endorsement affidavit electronically through their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account by January 1, 2024.
Log into your Firearm Owner’s Identification Card account: www.ispfsb.com
For more information, visit: https://isp.illinois.gov/Home/AssaultWeapons
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