Friday, August 23, 2024

Accused Felon Found With Drug-Soaked Paper at 26th and California, Dart Says

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A Southwest Side man held in custody at the Cook County Jail for felony weapons possession and possession of a stolen vehicle has been indicted by a Cook County Grand Jury after Sheriff’s Office investigators found dozens of pieces of drug-soaked paper hidden in his pants, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced this week.

On May 28, a Sheriff’s Correctional sergeant conducted a routine pat-down search of 22-year-old Keon Brown, a resident of the Wrightwood neighborhood (81st and Campbell). During the search, the sergeant found 14 homemade envelopes, each containing two strips of suspected drug-soaked paper, hidden in a glove inside his DOC uniform pants--according to Dart.
Keon Brown


The strips were sent to the Illinois State Crime Lab for analysis, and test results showed the papers were positive for synthetic cannabinoids.

Earlier this week, a Cook County Grand Jury indicted Brown on one count of Unlawful Possession of Contraband in a Penal Institution, a Class 1 felony. Brown has been in custody since October 2023, charged with unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

The proliferation of dangerous, drug-soaked paper has become a growing concern for correctional facilities across the country, including the Cook County Jail.

Brown is the 38th person charged in connection with possessing or smuggling drug-soaked paper into the jail so far this year, and the Sheriff’s Office continues to aggressively pursue criminal charges against anyone attempting to introduce these dangerous substances into the jail, Dart added.


Wednesday, August 14, 2024

M&G Graphics Celebrates 40 Years as Top Women-Owned Printer in Chicago

Brighton Park Company Looks to the Future with a Focus on Innovative Solutions and Sustainable Practices

M&G, a Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified printing company, celebrates four decades of providing high-quality commercial printing services for prestigious institutions and organizations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the University of Chicago, Chicago Public Library, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls.

M&G was founded in August 1984 by Bob Meyer Sr., a skilled mechanic and pressman, and Josephine Meyer, an immigrant from Ireland. Bob’s mechanical aptitude and Josephine’s tenacious drive for success helped M&G grow from two employees to 30 full-time employees over the years. One of their very first customers, the University of Chicago, is still a client today. The success of M&G is a true testament to the realization of the American Dream.  

Josephine pursued and received Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certifications for M&G, opening doors and creating opportunities that helped the company gain traction and grow. In 2023, M&G received accreditation from the WBENC, enhancing its reputation as a trusted, woman-led provider of printing and marketing services.

“M&Gs WBENC certification highlights our dedication to diversity and inclusion. It builds trust with clients who value supplier diversity and connects us with companies that are committed to promoting equality and innovation in the marketplace,” said Angie Weiss, Managing Partner, M&G.

Today, sister and brother Angie Weiss and Bob Meyer lead M&G into its next chapter alongside Angie’s husband and Chief Operating Officer, John Weiss. Bob’s son Nolan and Angie’s daughter Ellen are continuing the family business's legacy as the third generation. 

Throughout M&G’s history, the company has invested in the future by offering the newest innovations to maintain a competitive edge. They have embraced cutting-edge print technology with the recent addition of the Fuji J Press. This most advanced inkjet press technology offers personalization on each sheet and variable data for targeted call-outs. Additionally, M&G offers high-end finishes like gloss, dull, soft-touch, UV coating, foil stamping, die-cutting, and embossing, delivering customized results for their clients' unique needs.

“We take enormous pride in carrying forward our parents’ vision to provide tailored printing solutions for clients throughout Chicagoland while continuing to evolve and modernize our operations,” shared Bob Meyer, Managing Partner, M&G.

Another innovative offering is M&G’s one-of-a-kind Printegration™ services. The service simplifies marketing logistics by combining traditional print capabilities with digital solutions, allowing customers to synergize all their print and digital marketing needs in one place. Clients can now access comprehensive in-house design and innovative solutions, including strategic planning, printing, variable data, direct mail, kitting, fulfillment, digital storefronts, warehousing, and global drop shipping.

On the sustainability front, M&G has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as an environmentally responsible printer. The company is committed to responsible paper sourcing, waste reduction through recycling programs,energy-efficient LED lighting throughout its 40,000-square-foot building, and exploring technologies like digital printing to lower emissions.

Since its founding, M&G has been a part of the Brighton Park neighborhood. Headquartered at 3500 W. 38th Street, the company recruits and hires locally. Many current staff members live in the community. In July, Mayor Brandon Johnson and members of the Chicago City Council, including 12th Ward Ald. Julia M. Ramirez, honored M&G by passing a resolution to recognize its anniversary and growth as a local business.

“M&G's continued growth has been realized through the collective efforts of three generations of our family, in partnership with our dedicated employees and the Chicago business community. We appreciate the support and look forward to another 40 years of bringing amazing designs to life,” added Weiss. 

For more information, visit: https://mgchicago.com.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Cook County Sheriff's Police Prostitution Sting Sees Ten Men Accused as Johns

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


Ten men were snagged in an undercover prostitution sting operation conducted earlier this month in the 4800 block of South Cicero Avenue.

The sting was conducted by the Cook County Sheriff's Office. A CCSO spokesperson told the Southwest Chicago Post that each man was cited for "solicitation of sexual acts"--a citation that carries a $1,000 fine. Additionally, each man's vehicle was towed and impounded.
Rodney Jackson


The spokesperson declined to name the men or provide any other information--except in one case.

That man, identified as Rodney Jackson, 29, of Chicago, was also charged with possession of a controlled substance after investigators found 11 grams of suspect cocaine in his vehicle, the spokesperson said.

Prostitution and related crimes have been a problem along Cicero Avenue, mostly from about 43rd Street south to Archer Avenue, for at least the last 50 years.
A CCSO van used to process the accused men.

CCSO Police have arrested and fined more than 50 individuals throughout the county this year as part of their ongoing strategy to reduce the demand for human and sex trafficking, officials said in a statement.

The refusal to release the names of men accused of being johns mirrors the policy of the Chicago Police Department--and stands in contrast to policies relating to people accused of prostitution (almost entirely women), where names and mugshots are routinely released.






Friday, August 9, 2024

Charge Berwyn Man With Archer Heights, Garfield Ridge Carjackings

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A 18-year-old Berwyn man has been charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking in connection with two crimes that occurred on Saturday, July 13.
Isaiah Martinez

 
Isaiah Martinez, of the 1600 block of South Highland Avenue, was arrested by the Chicago Police Vehicular Hijacking Task Force the 7000 block of West Cermak on Thursday, August 8.

Police said he is one of several people who carjacked and robbed a 52-year-old man at gunpoint at about 1:30 a.m. in the 5200 block of South Kolin; and then carjacked a 51-year-old man at 3:24 a.m. in the 5200 block of West 55th Street.

Martinez is set to appear at a detention hearing in court at 26th and California on Saturday, August 10.

# # #

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Crime News Update

             Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


* * *

Traffic stop leads to Vittum Park weapons rap

A 30-year-old man from suburban Markham was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and driving with a license expired for more than a year after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 4814 W. 50th St. at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 2.
Greer


Joshua K. Greer Jr., of the 16500 block of South Winchester, allegedly carried a loaded handgun in a fanny pack, a CPD spokesman said. He also was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis after officers allegedly found several plastic bags containing cannabis in the vehicle.

According to public records, Greer has been arrested four times by CPD since 2016 on charges that included driving on a suspended license, driving an unregistered vehicle and obstructing identification.



Say man drove on suspended license
Arnold



A 40-year-old Hearst area man was charged with driving on a suspended license after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 4850 S. Cicero at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday, July 3.

Roderick E. Arnold, of the 4500 block of South Lavergne, was apprehended without incident.

According to public records, Arnold has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and violating parole by having contact with gang members.




Say woman would not leave MDW
Rueda

A 26-year-old Brighton Park woman was charged with criminal trespass to state land after she was arrested at Midway International Airport at 7:17 a.m. Sunday, June 23. 


Eileen Rueda, of the 4300 block of South Talman, allegedly refused to leave airport grounds when ordered to do so, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Rueda has been arrested three times by CPD since 2019 on such charges as criminal trespass to a vehicle, criminal damage to property and assault.


Charged with two counts of domestic battery
Martinez


A 54-year-old West Lawn man was charged with two counts of domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6300 block of South Knox at 9:16 p.m. Sunday, June 23.

Benigno Martinez allegedly slapped a 20-year-old man in the head during an argument. When a 47-year-old woman reportedly tried to intervene, Martinez allegedly grabbed her by her cheeks and verbally threatened her, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Martinez was arrested at his home by CPD in November 2021 and charged with domestic battery.



Man charged with drug possession on 55th Street

Borczyk

A 34-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested at the gas station at 4401 W. 55th Street at 11:53 a.m. Tuesday, June 25.

Lukasz A. Borczyk, of the 5300 block of South Kenneth, was found to be in possession of a substance believed to be heroin, a CPD spokesman said. Borczyk also was wanted on a warrant relating to a retail theft charge out of suburban Countryside.

According to public records, Borczyk was arrested by CPD in November 2019 at a store on the North Side and charged with retail theft.


Charged with domestic battery again
DeMichael


A 72-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6200 block of South Kilbourn at 7:24 p.m. Friday, June 28. 

Richard F. DeMichael allegedly grabbed a 67-year-old woman in the face during an argument. He also was charged with violating an order of protection.

According to public records, DeMichael has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2015 on such charges as domestic battery (five times), assault and aggravated assault.



Man busted on gun rap at MDW
Boyd



A 70-year-old man from Florissant, Mo. was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 1:02 p.m. Saturday, June 29. 



Jerry Wayne Boyd allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a loaded handgun in a carryon bag, a CPD spokesman said.



Say man tried to board jet with gun
Yoon



A 38-year-old man from the Central Illinois town of Westfield was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 8:43 a.m. Tuesday, July 2.


Paul Yoon allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a carryon bag containing a loaded handgun and extra ammunition, a CPD spokesman said.




Bust man on robbery rap near Orange Line

A 36-year-old man from suburban Harvey was charged with armed robbery after he was arrested in the 3500 block of South Leavitt at 12:55 a.m. Saturday, July 6.
Williams

 
Leondes R. Williams, of the 15900 block of South Halsted, allegedly used a knife to rob an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman at the nearby CTA Orange Line station. Police responding to the scene said they saw Williams ditch a knife and a stolen cellphone in a yard.

Two counts of a hate crime were added because Williams allegedly made offensive remarks about the victims’ sexual orientation. Three counts of aggravated battery to a police officer were added after Williams allegedly struggled with arresting officers. 

According to public records, Williams has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as driving on a suspended license, unlawful use of a weapon, armed robbery, failure to register with authorities as a convicted gun offender, aggravated assault and battery.