Judge increases Warrenville alderman's bail

A beleaguered Warrenville elected leader's bail was increased Thursday after prosecutors argued he used his elected position to swindle money from acquaintances despite already facing charges regarding a bad check.

Alderman Christopher S. Halley has been locked up since Aug. 17 after failing to raise $7,500 bail on theft by deception and deceptive practices charges. It's his second arrest in recent months. He was accused in March of bouncing a $1,500 check to a friend, but Halley immediately posted $5,000 bail for his release.

He pleaded not guilty during Thursday's arraignment. Prosecutor Helen Kapas Erdman asked DuPage Circuit Judge George Bakalis to increase the 27-year-old alderman's first bond in light of the most recent allegations, some of which she said occurred after he posted bail in his first case. Bakalis ordered Halley to come up with another $2,500, meaning he must post $10,000 for both cases.

Halley took money from acquaintances for Blackhawks and Bears games but never delivered the tickets or refunds, Erdman said. She said Halley also took $500 from a local businessman after a failed promise to arrange a "meet and greet" with former President George W. Bush. Finally, Halley is charged with writing bad checks to a local tobacco shop owner.

"This defendant represents himself as a Warrenville alderman to gain credibility," said Erdman, financial crimes/public integrity unit chief.

Defense attorney Tony Coco, deputy chief of the DuPage County public defender's office, argued Halley has a clean criminal record and that none of the allegations involve violent offenses. Also, Coco said, Halley already posted $5,000 - more than all the money he is accused of stealing.

Bakalis declined Erdman's request to triple Halley's first bond, but the judge did say he was troubled that Halley is accused of committing a second offense while free on bond. Halley is due back in court Sept. 13.

After his first arrest, Halley told the Daily Herald he believed he was being "harassed" because of his plans to sue the city over his January 2009 city council ethics censure. Halley was censured for alleged ethics violations related to using his elected position to intimidate a police officer who stopped the alderman's car, and also to try to get family and friends out of traffic tickets.

Halley denied all the accusations during the censure debate.