Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart

Was honored to speak to the local chapter of Military Order of the World Wars, National about how our office is working with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois's Veterans' Treatment Courts and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County to support local veterans. We continue to thank all of those who have served this great country. Special thank you to U.S. Army Colonel Mike Peck (Ret.) for the invitation. As always, special thank you to Aris, Miguel, and everyone else Dover Straits Seafood House for the great food.

Our office's Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) is proud to connect with Gun Violence Prevention Illinois, Illinois State Police, Illinois Attorney General, Senate President Don Harmon, and other legislators like State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl to discuss how we can protect all communities from gun violence through legislation like Karina's Bill, enhanced partnerships with law enforcement, and investment in under-served communities.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/18/karinas-bill-harmon/

Please read Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart's statement below regarding the attack on Former President Donald Trump:

"I am horrified by the violence against former President Donald Trump and pray for his recovery and the recovery of others injured in the attack. Political violence strikes at the heart of what has made us the greatest democracy in the world, and it cannot be tolerated anywhere. Thank you to law enforcement agents for acting quickly and running toward the danger as we have seen time and time again across this nation."

Highland Park is on our minds! Powerful parade of celebration and remembrance. Thank you to the First Responders and police for your vigilance. Thank you to my office colleagues for supporting City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government. Thank you to the community for supporting ANYONE in need -- even two years later. And thank you to the victims, survivors, and all of those impacted for your strength -- whether it be internal or external. Juliana Stratton Illinois Secretary of State, Wayfarer Theaters, Park District of Highland Park, Alexi Giannoulias, Brad Schneider, State Senator Julie Morrison, State Representative Bob Morgan, State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl, Lake County Board Member Paul Frank, Christ Our Hope Parish - Illinois, Jennifer Clark, Gina Ingoglia-Roberts, Nancy Rodkin Rotering.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day as we celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We know that America’s commitment to its ideals must never waver!

Even in celebration, we also take this time to remember Highland Park and every other community that has been impacted by gun violence.

Read State’s Attorney Rinehart’s Statement on the Second Anniversary of Highland Park Shooting: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ILLAKE/bulletins/3a6b525

On Saturday, we closed out Gun Violence Awareness Month by hosting the very first Lake County Gun Violence Awareness Community Fair, in partnership with The Antmound Foundation. It was a beautiful day as we came together at Cristo Rey St. Martin's parking lot to honor those who have been taken from us by gun violence while still finding the joy in the richness of our community, The day was filled with obstacle courses, traditional carnival games, team-building activities, and lots of great food. Great to see Senator Adriane Johnson, Sara Frederick Knizhnik, Mary Ross Cunningham and Lynn Florian Alderman 8th Ward Waukegan, Celeste Flores Thomas Patrick Maillard.

Thank you to all those who joined us, and thank you to to all our partners and sponsors for making this possible: The Lake County Community Foundation, Legacy Reentry Foundation NFP, SGA Youth & Family Services, Prairie State Legal Services, Kids Above All, A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center, Costco, Trader Joe's, Mariano's, ROOST 59 & 83, Jewel-Osco, Culver's

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that it has been selected by a statewide committee to pilot a regional “Domestic Violence Fatality Review (DVFR) Team.” The team, which includes leadership from A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center, will work to prevent future domestic-violence related fatalities and to reduce the severity and frequency of domestic violence.

https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2024/06/28/will-save-lives-lake-county-states-attorney-announces-pilot-program-to-reduce-domestic-violence/

We had a great time at the Waukegan Park District 2024 American Independence Parade passing out stickers and candy, and saying hi to everyone along the way! We are excited to continue celebrating America’s Independence Day all week and to recognize the end of

Thank you to all those who put this together and to the law enforcement officers who were there keeping us safe.

Waukegan Police Department
City of Waukegan
Waukegan Township
Senator Adriane Johnson

Statement from State's Attorney Rinehart after June 29, 2024 residential protests in Highland Park:

I want to acknowledge the distress and unease caused by the protest that took place in front of Congressman Schneider’s private residence. I share the concern of the public and Highland Park officials. Events such as these are disruptive and unsettling, especially when they occur where we live.

My office has been actively working with City officials and Highland Park Police to address concerns raised from the protest. This link attached addresses many issues raised by residents. https://shorturl.at/VJLzY

We continue to deeply condemn the enormous rise in antisemitism that has been occurring in Lake County and beyond for many years.
https://www.lcsao.org/DocumentCenter/View/285/Statement-regarding-hate-crimes?bidId=

My office stands with the people of Highland Park during this difficult time. Everyone should feel safe in their home and in their neighborhoods. Our team will work with police 24 hours a day to make this a reality for every community.

https://cityhpil.com/news_detail_T21_R1130.php

We were honored to have Alicia Kozak at our training for law enforcement about online predatory crime and human trafficking. Ms. Kozakiewwicz shared her story of internet grooming, abduction, and being rescued by law enforcement. In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of child-safety legislation and electronic detection K9s like Grip from our office and Tera from the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office. These K9 friends are amazing tools in keeping our children and communities safe!

Thank you Ms. Kozakiewicz for sharing your story, and we look forward to working with you on future legislation.

Learn more about child internet safety: aliciaproject.org

As we celebrate Freedom Day, we must also reflect on the struggle and hope that have brought us to where we are today and focus on the work that remains.
Today, and every day, our office is committed to addressing the systemic barriers that still exist in our education, healthcare, economic, social, and legal systems. We will continue in our mission of striving toward Justice For All.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and father figures! Thank you for everything that you do.

Today, and every day, our office celebrates love and stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in the ongoing fight for equal rights. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of every individual and are committed to ensuring justice for ALL.

We are proud to have been able to kick off Pride Month by participating in Waukegan Friends’ Pride Festival. Even with all the rain, we thank those who came out and stopped at our table! We look forward to continue celebrating all month long!

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center

Our Felony Review division approved the highest felonies that were requested by our law enforcement partners who did an amazing job of holding these offenders accountable.

Organized crime sting in Vernon Hills nets 11 arrests, stolen goods, and drugs Nearly a dozen members of various organized crime groups have been arrested in connection with retails robberies in west suburban Vernon Hills, according to village officials.

Thank you to the Juvenile Justice Council - Lake County for hosting the 3rd Annual Spring Seminar and to all the speakers who presented today. Many community leaders, prosecutors, treatment providers, and police partners attended and discussed how we can make our community safer by preventing juvenile crime.

Special thanks to Justice Elizabeth Rochford for attending. Supreme Court of Illinois

Learn more and JOIN the Juvenile Justice Council: https://lakecountyjjc.org/

Today we remember and honor those who gave it all to provide freedom for all. We thank you for your bravery and your service.

Our office was proud to continue our tradition and join other volunteers, first responders, and community organizations in placing flags on veterans' graves at the NorthShore Garden of Memories. City of North Chicago, Illinois - Government North Chicago Police Department
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend as we honor those who gave their lives for our country.

Happy 2nd birthday to Grip, our electronic detection K9! When Grip isn't busy helping law enforcement in investigations, she loves playing with empty water bottles and today, she definitely got a ton of play time. We are so happy to have Grip as part of our office and appreciate all the hard work she does.

We urge the Illinois General Assembly to consider and pass Karina's Bill. This
bill allows law enforcement to remove fi****ms after a judge has granted any type of order of protection. This will be an important tool in protecting survivors by keeping fi****ms out of the hands of known abusers.

A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center
North Suburban Legal Aid
Prairie State Legal Servicesctice

"Karina's Bill" supporters urge lawmakers to help protect domestic violence victims They were shot and killed in Little Village, even though Karina had an order of protection that could have led to the removal of his gun by law enforcement.

SO proud to partner with A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center to support the victims and survivors of domestic battery and human trafficking. Super successful event at Wine Women & Shoes. Great to hear about the BIG plans you have for Lake County and the thousands you will help. Stay tuned. Gina Ingoglia-Roberts, Carissa Casbon, Lake County Board District, Lake County Illinois Coroner's Office Lake County Children's Advocacy Center

Congrats to Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center for its powerful and successful Annual Spring Luncheon focusing on how we must support each survivor by planting seeds of healing. Survivors, including Rose McGowan, bravely spoke about their own journeys. Our office will continue to support the Z-Center and each individual survivor!!!

Our office stands with our police partners to ensure Lake County continues to be a beacon of modern, effective, and compassionate policing. As we close out , we want to thank not only the heroic men and women of law enforcement, but also their families who make so many sacrifices in the name of a higher calling: to serve others. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Lake County IL Sheriff's Office Waukegan Police Department North Chicago Police Department City of Zion Illinois Police Department Gurnee Police Department Village of Antioch Police Department Bannockburn Police Department Barrington Police Department Village of Barrington Hills - Government Deerfield Police Department Village of Fox Lake Village of Fox River Grove Village of Hawthorn Woods Village of Grayslake Police Department City of Highland Park, Illinois - Government City of Highwood Illinois State Police Island Lake Police Department Lake Bluff Police Department Lake County Forest Preserves Lake Forest Police Department Lakemoor Police Department Lake Villa Police Village of Lake Zurich Libertyville Police Department Village of Lincolnshire - Government Village of Lincolnshire - Government Mundelein Police Department Park City Illinois Round Lake Beach Police Department Round Lake Park Police Department Round Lake Police Department Tower Lakes Police Department Vernon Hills Police Department Wauconda Police Department Winthrop Harbor Police Department

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center (LCCAC) are excited to announce the newest member of the team, Duo Dog Linden. Linden will primarily serve as comfort and support to children during the investigative process. The most important thing is that we provide children with every comfort possible to help them while also making sure that our investigations are accurate and effective.

Linden is a two-year-old Labrador Retriever who was trained and donated to by Duo Dogs Inc. He has been assigned to the LCCAC and has been partnered with Carrie Wings, the LCCAC Education and Outreach Specialist. Welcome to the office, Linden!

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ILLAKE/bulletins/39cea0a

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, our office continues to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as peace officers to protect all of us. Our office has proudly participated in public and private ceremonies with the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office and FBI - Chicago to honor these fallen heroes.
We also thank all the brave law enforcement officers who continue keeping our communities.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers! Thank you for everything you do and we hope your day is filled with lots of joy and love.

Our office was proud to stand with law enforcement officers to honor the sacrifices of the 20 officers, deputies, troopers, and federal agents who lost their lives in the line of duty in Lake County, since 1894. We are so honored to serve with so many brave police officers who work every day to make Lake County and Illinois safer.
Lake County IL Sheriff's Office
Waukegan Police Department

Thank you Cristo Rey St. Martin for having us as guest speakers during their assembly last Friday. We had the opportunity to talk to students about victim rights and how our office is working to prevent crime and cycles of trauma. We look forward to continuing our partnership!

Today, our office and other community members joined A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center for their annual Empower 5k Run. A Safe Place has been supporting survivors of domestic violence for decades and we are proud to partner with them.

Thank you to all those who organized, sponsors who gave, and participants who increased awareness about domestic violence and human trafficking.

What a great morning with the Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America for their Leadership Breakfast. Congratulations to the award winners, and thank you for your service to the community! Mayor Leon Rockingham from City of North Chicago, Illinois - Government did a great job serving as master of ceremonies.