LAKE COUNTY, IL — A man has been arrested and charged with a hate crime after authorities said he made direct threats against Latino and immigrant members of the Lake County community.
Derek Webb was charged with one count of hate crime, a Class 4 felony, and one count of disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor, according to the Lake County State's Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Webb posted a bullseye sign that included handwritten words saying "Good Shot ICE." Authorities said the case remains under investigation across multiple jurisdictions.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
"Clear threats of physical violence that are motivated by hatred, bias, or racism must be strongly condemned in the community and responded to by the legal system," Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. "True threats are not protected by free speech, and they are particularly dangerous when they are directed towards groups who are historically and wrongfully attacked."
Rinehart thanked the Waukegan Police Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Gurnee Police Department and Lindenhurst Police Department for their work "identifying this offender and collecting the evidence across dozens of scenes."
He also said prosecutors have been consulting federal partners regarding threat assessment.
"Finally, I'd like to express my gratitude to the brave members of the community who came forward to stand against this hate," Rinehart said. "Like all of us, these members of the community hope for a brighter future in which hate is forever extinguished from our community. Hate must have no home in Lake County."
Webb appeared in First Appearance Court Tuesday afternoon. The State's Attorney's Office filed a petition to detain him, citing the seriousness of the charges.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
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