Illinois vet pleads guilty to theft
Veteran pleads guilty
A 39-year-old Iraq war veteran from eastern Illinois has pleaded guilty to stealing a sophisticated weapons sight and other military gear worth more than $30,000. Federal prosecutors say National Guard soldier Patrick Fitzsimmons of Potomac pleaded guilty in federal court in Urbana. Fitzsimmons faces up to 10 years in prison. Fitzsimmons admitted stealing the sight, which was worth more than $19,000, along with night-vision goggles and other devices when he returned from Iraq. When he tried to pawn the sight in Urbana, the pawnshop's owner called authorities. Fitzsimmons served in the 130th Infantry. Two other members of the unit have pleaded guilty to stealing body armor and other gear in unrelated cases.
Man faces federal charges
Federal charges have been filed against a Chicago man accused of twice firing shots at Metra trains in June. Telly Virgin, 31, is charged with endangerment, reckless disregard for safety and interfering with the operation of a train. He also is facing state charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm in one incident. Virgin has been held in Cook County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail since his arrest Sept. 20. U.S. District Judge Nan Nolan granted prosecutors' request yesterday to hold Virgin without bail on the federal charges, and he was transferred to the custody of U.S. marshals. According to an affidavit filed by the FBI, Virgin was identified in a lineup by Metra employees who witnessed the shootings.
Department investigation
The Chicago Fire Department has launched an internal investigation of its Fire Prevention Bureau after hearing about an allegation that an inspector got her nails done on city time. According to a report by WFLD-TV, the unnamed inspector allegedly spent nearly two hours at a salon getting a manicure and pedicure during work hours. The Fire Department says its internal affairs section is investigating the inspector and other aspects of the Fire Prevention Bureau. The bureau is responsible for ensuring that businesses are compliant with fire safety codes. Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco says the department is also giving all 100 fire inspectors telephones that can track their movements.
CTA line halted temporarily
Blue Line el service between Jefferson Park and Harlem Avenue in Chicago will be suspended this weekend until 3 a.m. Monday for construction. Free buses will be available to shuttle riders between the two stations. For more transit information, visit www.rtachicago.com or call 836œ7000 from any local area code.