A Cook County judge turned a gun in to Chicago police as part of a buyback program 13 years ago. The gun mysteriously turned up eight years later next to the body of a young man shot to death by a Cicero police officer. Cicero officials are now poised to write a $3.5 million settlement check to members of the dead man’s family.
Casey Toner
Casey Toner, a Chicago native, has been an Illinois Answers reporter since 2016, taking the lead on numerous projects about criminal justice and politics. His series on police shootings in suburban Cook County resulted in a state law requiring procedural investigations of all police shootings in Illinois. Before he joined Illinois Answers, he wrote for the Daily Southtown and was a statewide reporter for Alabama Media Group, a consortium of Alabama newspapers. Outside of work, he enjoys watching soccer and writing music.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Park District Police: Costly And Questionably Redundant
A handful of Illinois park districts operate taxpayer-funded police forces separate from the regular police departments that already patrol the same communities. With badges sometimes handed to the well-connected, the practice raises questions of redundancy, liability, nepotism and expense.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Video Gambling Jackpot For Pols And Pals
The growth of video gambling in Illinois and the riches that go with it has opened new vistas for clout. Some politicians and their friends have cashed in.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Troubled Burnham Club Closing After Thanksgiving Chaos
Double shooting, mob beatdown spurs closing of Will’s Sports Bar, which was previously identified in BGA report.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Video Gambling Firms Lay Cash Bets On Illinois Politicians
The industry spent more than $1 million in political donations, helping business spread throughout the state. Is Chicago next on the docket?
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Daley Machine Cogs Still Spin In Chicago Heights
In three years, Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez’s financial firm adds 22 municipal contracts totaling $2.1 million.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Ex-Legislator Sandack Told Cops He Wired Money To Philippines In Extortion Scheme
Downers Grove police say case is closed on former Republican lawmaker who quit office in July. Incident stemmed from Facebook and Skype interactions with a woman.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Southwest Suburban Cop Fired For Slapping Inmate
Eight-year vet of police force seen on camera slapping man in genital area. Officer was previously suspended after a sexual assault allegation.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Blagojevich Prison Sentence Upheld
Ex-governor fails to sway judge that his sentence should be shortened.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
IPRA Releases Video Of Chicago Police Shooting Paul O’Neal
Video is released eight days after the death of Chicago teen.
