Court Watch: Attorneys Discuss Deal for Oak Lawn Man Accused of Beating Girl
In other court news: Restaurant owner pleads not guilty to arson; Orland Square Mall case on the docket.
The Southland's major criminal and civil cases heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.
Cook County
OAK LAWN — Ed Barron, an attorney defending a 54-year-old man accused of beating and choking a girl, said he will continue negotiating with the state about a possible plea deal before the next pretrial hearing on March 13.
Michael T. Kelly, a former Village of Oak Lawn employee, has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery.
To give the girl and her family a little “peace of mind,” assistant state’s attorney Kelly Coakley obtained a protection order against Kelly on Tuesday because, she said, the defendant had been caught staring intently at the girl in October. Barron did not challenge the motion or the ruling.
Court records show Bridgeview police charged Kelly with aggravated assault in 2003, but the case was later dropped.
OAK LAWN — Hate Crime Trial Delayed Five Weeks
Scheduling conflicts at the courthouse give attorneys more time to prepare for case stemming from an incident in July 2010.
ORLAND PARK — Kustok Hearings Continued to March
A year and half later, investigations continue into the death of Allan Kustok's wife, Jeanie.
WORTH — Canton Express Owner Pleads Not Guilty to Arson
Pretrial hearings begin March 13 for Hui Zheng of Worth.
Will County
TINLEY PARK — Pretrial hearings were continued to March 7 against Nicholas Gorny of Orland Park, who has pleaded not guilty to his involvement in an accident in August that killed a 70-year-old Tinley Park woman. She died of injuries related to the accident on Sept. 27, 2011 — but has been included on a growing list of possible witnesses to be called to testify, including area doctors, police officers and firefighters.
On the Docket Next Week
TUESDAY
Norberto Rodriguez, a former Chicago cop accused of murdering his estranged wife in Oak Forest.
WEDNESDAY
Owners of Orland Square Mall contend they overpaid their fair share of taxes between 2005 and 2009; the move could force several area taxing bodies, including High School District 230, to refund a combined $9.5 million.
THURSDAY
Nicholas Sord, of Orland Park, charged with reckless homicide in the death Jessica Mejia of New Lenox.
FRIDAY
Brandon Bergthold, of Frankfort Township, accused of trying to buy sex with a fictitious 6-year-old girl through Craigslist.
Michael Angel, accused again of criminal trespass on L-W High School District 210 grounds
In civil court, the owners of Big Run Golf Course in Lockport, including former Will County Board President Joseph Mikan, are accused of misusing company money by the relative of a former founder and investor.
Curious about other crime news from this week?
Sandburg Basketball Coach Accused of Sexually Abusing Student
Police: Man Accused of DUI Had Syringes 'Loaded' With Heroin
New Law Forces Local Murderer To Register With Police
Local Murderer, Violent Offenders, Forced To Register With Police
'Blessed With So Many Beautiful Days'
Suspect Sought In Two Indecent Exposure Incidents
Police: 'He Did Not Fight Back Because She was Pregnant'
Cops: Rather Than Salt, Thief Spreads Lies After Stealing Ice-Melting Machinery
Police Find 100+ Grams of Mushrooms, Weed in New Lenox Home
Police Reportedly Find 'Nervous Driver' With 9MM Ruger Handgun
Tinley Officials Look to Create Local Ordinance That Mirrors State Ban on Synthetic Marijuana
Police: Men Use Air Rifle to Target On-Duty Firefighter
Police: 'I Can't do This, Just Arrest Me,' Says Woman During Sobriety Test
Cops Stop Frankfort Man for Loud Music, Arrest Him for Heroin
Robert
8:33 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
The young male teacher accused of inappropriate encounter with a teen at Sandburg H. S. received $250,000.00 bond. How does this attemped murdering acts of Michael T. Kelly, get 50k? With all that evidence he only get a O.P. just now? There should have been one in place . Judge PETER FELICE demonstrates leniency toward child predators/attempted murderers imo
Baba Wawa
9:03 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
The teacher was arrested at his house in Du Page County and his bond was set by a Du Page County judge. Bonds are set based on the nature of the charges and the defendant's background.
Jesse Marx
10:14 am on Monday, February 13, 2012
Robert,
Kelly was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and not attempted murder. As Baba Wawa has already pointed out, bond judges take the class and severity of the charges as well as the defendant's criminal background into consideration. Sometimes those bonds are reduced by other judges.
Judge Felice, for the record, was assigned to a new courtroom at the beginning of this year. Judge Terence B. Smith replaced him.
New Lenox Mom
8:52 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
How come there has never been an article regarding the court case from 2010 of a woman allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a minor in the parking lot of a cheerleading gym in Joliet? This is a facility where minors are coming in and going all the time. Court case 2010CF002573
Jesse Marx
10:21 am on Monday, February 13, 2012
New Lenox Mom,
Thanks for the heads up, but our coverage area (southwest Chicago suburbs) does not include Joliet. We would cover a case that occurred in Joliet, however, if the defendant or victim lives or may owns a business in one of our towns.