Veteran Kane County prosecutor leaving

A veteran Kane County prosecutor who specializes in high-profile and violent crimes is leaving the post for another job. Sal LoPiccolo, an assistant state's attorney in Kane County since 1988, has been named first assistant state's attorney in Boone County, officials announced this week. LoPiccolo's last day here has not been set.

"Sal's departure is a blessing and a curse," Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti, who hired LoPiccolo, said in a news release. "We are always proud to see our assistants move on to positions of greater authority and responsibility. But Sal leaves big shoes to fill."

An Elgin native, LoPiccolo, 50, graduated from St. Edward High School in 1977 and went on to get his law degree from Omaha's Creighton University School of Law in 1980. He is a member of the Priority Prosecution Unit in Kane County, where he has convicted gang members and contributed to a series of homicide cold cases indicted in summer 2007.

Barsanti said LoPiccolo is always willing to take tough cases and is good at winning. "The mentorship he provides to young prosecutors and the professionalism with which he represents this office and his craft are in many ways irreplaceable," he said.

Colleagues are throwing a farewell party from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Riverview Banquets, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia. Tickets are $20 before Nov. 19 and $25 at the door, with proceeds paying for a buffet dinner and a gift for the guest of honor.

To reserve a spot, send a check payable to the Kane County State's Attorney Employee Fund to Christy DeChristopher, Kane County State's Attorney's Office, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles.