Racist Craigslist Ad Results In Probation For Naperville Student

NAPERVILLE, IL — A Naperville Central student was sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service after authorities say he posted a photo of a Black student, along with the text "slave for sale (Naperville)" to Craigslist in 2019. The student, whose name was not made public, pleaded guilty to two felony hate crime charges and one misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge on Sept. 1, 2021, according to a news release from DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Judge Anthony Coco also ordered the boy to undergo counseling at the discretion of the county's Juvenile Probation Department. Additionally, the student must submit his DNA to the DNA database for the State of Illinois.

On Nov. 14, 2019, the student posted a photograph of a Black classmate with the caption "slave for sale" and a racial slur in an ad on Craigslist, authorities said. Police began investigating the incident Nov. 18 after they were made aware of the ad.

Related:'Beyond Disturbing:' Hate Crime Charge For Naperville Student

“Hate crimes have no place in a civilized society and will not be tolerated, regardless of the accused’s age,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin continued, “Studies show that the victims of hate crimes can suffer from depression, increased anxiety, low self-esteem and insecurity among other things. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe and welcome in our communities and my office will continue to charge and prosecute anyone, regardless of age, who engages in this type of behavior. It is my sincerest hope that with the help of our Juvenile Probation Department, the juvenile involved in this incident will mature into a productive member of society."