Hate crime charge filed in connection with ‘alarming and disturbing’ sign

Lake County authorities Tuesday charged a Libertyville man with one count each of a hate crime and disorderly conduct involving threats against Latinos and immigrants.

According to the Lake County state’s attorney’s office, the charges against Derek Webb, 38, involve a situation April 6 in Gurnee. Webb is alleged to have posted a bullseye sign, which included the handwritten words “Good Shot ICE,” according to a news release.

Further details were not provided. An investigation throughout multiple jurisdictions is ongoing, according to the release.

“Clear threats of physical violence that are motivated by hatred, bias, or racism must be strongly condemned in the community and responded to by the legal system,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.

“True threats are not protected by free speech, and they are particularly dangerous when they are directed toward groups who are historically and wrongfully attacked,” he said.

Rinehart thanked the Waukegan, Gurnee and Lindenhurst police and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their work in identifying Webb and collecting evidence “across dozens of scenes.”

He added his office has been consulting with federal authorities with respect to threat assessment.

Webb was held pending a detention hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.