Former Lake County prosecutor greeted by protesters

Protesters objected Wednesday afternoon to an award given to a former Lake County prosecutor Michael Waller.

Waller, a former state's attorney turned prosecutor, dedicated 33 years to the justice system and was honored with the Justice Robert Jackson Award at a meeting in the Waukegan City Council chambers, said Lake County Bar Association President Steven McCollum said.

Several people apparently gathered outside the meeting to object.

“Apparently there was some people there,” McCollum said. “I was in the bar association meeting. I didn't really participate in any controversy.”

The bar association picked Waller for the award based on the programs he started to help victims during his career, McCollum said.

“I think some people were objecting to Mr. Waller getting that award,” McCollum said. “I gave Mr. Waller that award based on the many, many years where he handled tens of thousands of cases and helped innumerable victims of crime during that time. That's why he was given the award.”