Alsip Man Accused In Hate Crime Pleads Not Guilty

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — A 24-year-old Alsip man has pleaded not guilty to hate crime and criminal damage to property charges in McHenry County.

Joseph I. Collins is accused of smashing windows at a Lake in the Hills bakery and café, and spray-painting "hateful messages" on the building at 2104 W. Algonquin Road, ahead of a scheduled drag show.

Just after midnight on July 23, authorities responded to UpRising Cafe & Bakery for a report of criminal damage to property. A man, later identified as Collins, fled from the business on foot and was arrested a short time later, according to authorities.

Collins used a baseball bat to break a glass door at the bakery and cafe, and spray-painted "groomers" on the side of the building on the day a family-friendly drag show was supposed to take place at the business, according to court documents. Collins is also said to have spray-painted the words “Christ is King” and another homophobic slur. The upheaval centered around the business allowing children to attend the event.

On Friday, Collins entered not guilty pleas to a hate crime charge and a criminal damage to property between $500 and $10,000 charge, which are both class 4 felonies, during an arraignment in McHenry County. He also pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property, according to online court records.

He is next expected in court on Oct. 11 for a status hearing.

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