For Barrera, silence is golden
An Elgin man who threatened to kill a judge while appearing in court on a theft charge last month is expected to take a much different tone when he goes before another judge this week to request a bond reduction so he can get out of jail.
Of course, Alex Barrera's bond wouldn't be $525,000 if he hadn't threatened to "pop" Judge Bruce Lester while making a gunlike gesture at an April hearing in Elgin. The next morning, Judge Patricia Piper Golden set his bond at $25,000 for the theft charge and $500,000 for his latest addition - threatening a public official.
Now, the case is in the hands of James C. Hallock, a no-nonsense judge who heard not a peep from Barrera when he appeared again last week at the courthouse in St. Charles.
That day, the 23-year-old Barrera stood still and quiet while his defense attorney, Liz Lovig, filed a motion for bond reduction on his behalf, and Hallock scheduled arguments for Thursday.
It was a quick appearance, and the only communication Barrera offered was a quick smile as a bailiff led him off to a holding cell.
We'll see how it goes Thursday.
It's logical to think Barrera's criminal history, which includes convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated battery to a peace officer and cocaine delivery, could be factors that work against him. Not to mention his prior statements to the court.
Whatever the outcome, Barrera would need to post 10 percent to get out of jail. Right now, that's $52,500.
Award season: Three Aurora police officers are in the running for the Exchange Club of Aurora's 2009 Police Officer of the Year Award, which has been given annually since 1963.
Officials said the nominees are Special Operations Group Investigator Damien Cantona, Officer Anikka Molitor and Detective Jeremiah Shufelt - all of whom made significant contributions last year.
Cantona recruited an informant who proved invaluable in several investigations, while Molitor used CPR to save the life of a 20-day-old infant who had suddenly stopped breathing, and Shufelt solved a gas station armed robbery.
The winner will be named during a luncheon Tuesday at Aurora's Gaslite Manor, 2485 Church Road.
Spring gift: Visitors to the Third Street courthouse in Geneva have the Kane County Bar Association to thank for the new planters outside the main entrance.
Volunteers, including Julie and Bill Parkhurst, Bob Sandner, Ron and Denise Frieders, Dana, Dean and Lulu Frieders, and Jan Wade, spent a Saturday in April freshening up the grounds with annuals for their "Adopt a Planter" program.
Materials were donated by Hampshire Farms, Midwest Groundcovers, Lowe's Home Improvement in St. Charles, Donald and Evelyn Essling, and the Aurora law firm of Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, and Andersson. Organizers included Mary Remiyac, Chief Judge F. Keith Brown, Presiding Judge Michael J. Colwell and Law Division Secretary Su Willey.
Kudos, everyone.