Unauthorized Videotaping Defendant From Channahon Makes Bail

JOLIET, IL — On Tuesday, just as Richard K. Buss's lawyer promised, his 36-year-old client from Channahon surrendered to the Will County Sheriff's Office for processing and to get his mugshot taken. A day earlier, the Channahon Police Department issued a press release announcing that they were looking for Buss in connection with two felony counts of unlawful videotaping.

Prior to turning himself into the Will County authorities, Buss retained downtown Joliet attorney Ryan Kosztya. The private criminal defense lawyer on Monday filed an emergency motion at the courthouse seeking to reduce the warrant amount and other relief.

The defense lawyer's motion indicated the Channahon Police obtained a warrant for Buss' arrest back on August 21 and that Associate Judge Ben Braun authorized bail to be $75,000.

"Mr. Buss will be present in court on Tuesday, August 27, 2019," Kosztya's motion from Monday promised. "Mr. Buss cannot afford to post the requisite $7,500 to secure his release on bond. Family for Mr. Buss is raising funds to post as bond, but as of the date of this failing this amount will be less than what is required."

According to his criminal defense lawyer's filing, "Mr. Buss, without the benefit of legal counsel, was cooperative with the Channahon Police Department whom investigated this alleged matter. Mr. Buss is the father of two minor children and is married. These two minor children are not the individuals listed by initials as the alleged victims in this alleged matter.

"Mr. Buss is the sole financial provider for his family. He is 36 years old with no criminal history."

According to the filing, Buss wanted the court to reduce his bail to a dollar amount he and his family could afford to post.

"Mr. Buss seeks to remain employed and to continue to provide for his family while this criminal action remains pending," Kosztya notified the court.

A review of online court records indicates the Channahon criminal defendant's bail was reduced on Tuesday from $75,000 to $40,000.

Buss was booked into the county jail around 1 p.m. and set free around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The judge is not listed in the online records, however, Courtroom 405 is usually the courtroom of Will County Circuit Judge Dave Carlson.

As part of the bail modification, the record also reflects, Buss will be allowed to travel to the state of Indiana. He must not have contact with anyone under the age of 18 and his cell phone will be subject to random searches by the Will County Probation Pretrial Services division.