Forfeiture proceedings could bring cash to drug programs

Anti-drug programs in Lake County could see a major windfall if a forfeiture proceeding against two North Barrington people charged with multiple felonies goes through.

Ronald Laverdue, 59, and his mother, Katherine Laverdue, 81, are charged with altering vehicle identification numbers, title violations and other crimes involving the operation of K Konstruction of Wauconda.

State's Attorney Michael Waller's office has moved to seize 21 semi tractors and 17 trailers confiscated during a raid on the company's property in June.

If a judge rules the vehicles can be turned over to the state because they were used in the commission of a crime, they will then be retitled and sold at an auction.

Investigators for Waller estimate the vehicles could bring $300,000 or more into the office's bank account.

Waller said money raised from forfeiture proceedings goes to support criminal drug enforcement and programs for drug use prevention and rehabilitation.

Judge opening: The 19th Judicial Circuit is seeking applications for an open associate judge position.

Officials are seeking to fill the vacant position created when Judge Diane Winter was promoted to circuit judge.

Any lawyer who is a Lake County resident, licensed to practice law in this state and a United States citizen is eligible to apply for the position.

Applications can be obtained from the office of the chief judge in Waukegan, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts in Springfield or downloaded from the Supreme Court's Web site state.il.us/court.

Applications must be received by the Administrative Office no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 22.

Career change: Lou Archbold, a 19-year Lake County employee who spent the bulk of his time as an investigator for the state's attorney's office, is hanging up his gumshoes this week.

Archbold is moving on to become the manager of security and safety at American Hotel Register of Vernon Hills.

He spent close to seven years as a probation officer before moving on to the state's attorney's office, where he was the first staff cyber crime investigator and help lay the foundation for the team of investigators and prosecutors who concentrate on computer criminals.

"Lou is an outstanding investigator who handled every assignment he was given with skill and successful results," State's Attorney Michael Waller said. "Most importantly, he is an outstanding person who everybody in our office will miss."