Lisle, IL Attorney News Archive

Two teenagers from Lisle are now facing serious allegations of sexual assault stemming from an incident that occurred at a Walgreens in Naperville. Seventeen-year-old James Patterson is being tried as an adult for charges that include aggravated criminal sexual assault and robbery. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old juvenile is expected to face similar allegations in juvenile court.

Both suspects are accused of not only inflicting physical harm on the victim but also violating her in a deeply concerning manner. Authorities reported that Patterson was in possession of the victim's cell phone at the time of his arrest, further complicating the situation.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin underscored the gravity of the charges, emphasizing the emotional impact this incident has had on the victim and her family. As the community comes to terms with these shocking events in Chicago's suburbs, court hearings for Patterson and the juvenile are scheduled for early February and late January, respectively.

In a significant ruling, Judge Jody Gleason has sentenced 45-year-old Joshua French from Plano, IL, to seven years in prison for sharing child sexual abuse material. This decision is a stark reminder of the serious nature of crimes targeting children.

The case came to light thanks to a cyber-tip and was thoroughly investigated by the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Authorities, in collaboration with the Lisle Police Department, amassed crucial evidence that led to French's arrest. A search of his home revealed electronic devices containing incriminating materials.

As part of his plea agreement, French will not only serve time behind bars but will also face mandatory registration as a sex offender, accompanied by several years of supervised release. This prosecution is part of broader efforts within the legal community to address and combat child exploitation in Chicago and its surrounding areas.

Benet Academy has unveiled an updated proposal for a new outdoor sports stadium at the Baumgartner-Gilbert Athletic Complex, addressing feedback from residents in the Oak Hill South neighborhood, just outside Chicago. During a recent review by the Lisle Village Board, trustees examined the revised plan, which includes reducing grandstand seating from 2,000 to 1,400 and modifying the dimensions of a video scoreboard.

Despite assurances from Benet’s attorney, Caitlin Csuk, that the changes will minimize sound disturbances, local homeowners, including Linda Donahue, continue to voice concerns about noise and its potential impact on their properties.

Village officials, such as Mayor Mary Jo Mullen and Trustee Thomas Duffy, are actively facilitating discussions between the school and residents to find common ground before the next review meeting scheduled for March 16. If the proposal receives approval, the development will move forward in two phases, significantly enhancing the school's athletic facilities while navigating the intricacies of civil litigation and community impact.

DuPage County has reached a settlement regarding unpaid bills exceeding $230,000 owed to Prager Moving & Storage, based in Naperville, and Lisle's Governmental Business Solutions. These payments pertain to election services for the upcoming 2025 election. The resolution came swiftly after Clerk Jean Kaczmarek made an appeal concerning a court ruling that had halted these payments, a situation that arose amid ongoing allegations about the county’s bidding process for contracts.

County Board Member Paula Deacon Garcia, who is currently running in a Democratic primary against Kaczmarek, highlighted the critical need for proper procurement processes to prevent similar issues as the 2026 elections draw nearer.

Additionally, the situation is complicated by ongoing civil litigation and investigations led by the Illinois attorney general's office. These inquiries focus on the clerk’s office’s adherence to real estate law regarding contract bidding, which remain unresolved.

Kaczmarek's office is also facing significant budgetary challenges, leading to an urgent call for a meeting with the county's finance department to tackle these fiscal shortfalls.

The Naperville Police Department has launched an innovative "Blue Envelope" program aimed at enhancing interactions between law enforcement and residents on the autism spectrum. This initiative is designed to reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops by providing a clear way for individuals to communicate their specific needs to officers.

Ali Smith Wieringa, a police social worker, highlighted the program's significant benefits, noting that it offers essential support during stressful encounters. Meanwhile, Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres expressed his strong support for the initiative, which draws inspiration from similar programs implemented across the country.

The "Blue Envelope" program is available at various locations, including libraries and community centers, and participation is entirely voluntary. This initiative underscores the Naperville Police Department's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the community in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The Illinois Attorney General's office has been designated as a special prosecutor to investigate bidding practices within the DuPage County Clerk's office. This scrutiny comes in light of allegations that the office may have violated competitive solicitation laws.

State’s Attorney Robert Berlin pointed out that unresolved invoices from election-related vendors, like Prager Moving and Storage, could lead to civil disputes under the prompt payment statute. Meanwhile, Clerk Jean Kaczmarek defended her actions, stating that her office has consistently managed elections effectively.

DuPage Board Chair Deb Conroy has called for reforms to ensure that local procurement aligns with state regulations. The ongoing debate over payment procedures has intensified political tensions, especially as the 2026 county clerk election approaches.

A hearing scheduled for August will address these legal issues, which carry important implications for real estate law and corporate governance in the area.