State’s Attorney Encourages Peaceful Protests, Cautions Against Violence

Press release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office:

Thursday, June 4, 2020

This afternoon, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin reiterated his support for peaceful protests in DuPage County but warned that law enforcement throughout the County will continue to be on the lookout for those who would take advantage of the protests to commit crimes.

“The First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion and the people’s right to assemble and petition their government, is sacred to our democracy and
for the past two-hundred-twenty-nine-years has protected the basic freedoms and rights of all United States citizens.” Berlin said. “Throughout DuPage County, law enforcement stands together to support and protect the First Amendment. We also stand together in protecting our residents from those who would pervert our right to assemble to commit criminal activity.”

Below is a list of those who have been arrested and charged since June 1, 2020, for crimes allegedly committed under the guise of peaceful protesting.

• Christian Frazee, 25 of
  Lombard – Possession of an Incendiary Device, Attempt
  Terrorism, (both Class 1 Felony); bond: $1 million
• Rennard Fields, 20, of
  Aurora – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $100,000
• Jimmie Washington, 22,
  of Aurora – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $100,000
• Omar Deal, 19, of
  Aurora – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $100,000
• Tawain Brown, 19, of
  Naperville – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $100,000
• Tremell Creighton, 22,
  of Chicago – Burglary (Class 2 Felony); bond: $35,000
• De Angelo Dixon, 22, of
  Chicago – Burglary (Class 2 Felony); bond: $20,000
• Benjamin Moore, 29, of
  Chicago – Burglary (Class 2 Felony); bond: $25,000
• Unnamed Juvenile, of
  Chicago – Burglary (Class 2 Felony); detained
• Jedvonie Miller, 28, of
  Chicago – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $75,000
• Patrick Miller, 26, of
  Chicago – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $250,000
• Adrienne Williams, 26
  of Addison – Attempt Burglary (Class 3 Felony); bond: $50,000
• Lamont Ross, 27, of
  Chicago – Burglary and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Both Class 2
  Felony); bond: $50,000
• Jayleen Warfield, 21,
  of Woodridge – Burglary (Class 2 Felony); bond: $100,000
• Joshua Captain, 23, of
  Chicago – 2 counts of Burglary (Class 2 Felony); bond: $150,000

“The charges filed against the above-named individuals sends the message that in DuPage County we will not tolerate any attempt to utilize a legitimate protest as a cover to commit any type of criminal behavior and anyone suspected of such activity will be caught, arrested and vigorously prosecuted,” Berlin continued. “I commend law enforcement throughout the County for their truly outstanding, cooperative efforts in simultaneously protecting our right to peacefully assemble while at the same time keeping a vigilant eye out for those seeking to commit crimes
against our residents, businesses and communities.”

This press release was produced by the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.