A Woodstock attorney was taken into custody after being charged with vandalizing multiple campaign signs that belonged to Tony Colatorti, who is running for McHenry County sheriff.
Robert T. Hanlon, 55, of the 3700 block of Beresford Drive in Woodstock, was charged with one count of criminal damage to property, a Class A misdemeanor.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Hanlon damaged numerous campaign signs located at the Marathon gas station, 770 South Virginia Road in Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake Police Department Commander Rick Neumann said surveillance footage was used to identify Hanlon as the offender in the case.
Hanlon is an attorney at the Law Offices of Robert T. Hanlon & Associates in Woodstock.
The Tony Colatorti for Sheriff Campaign said in a statement that they discovered multiple campaigns signs vandalized in Woodstock with “libelous stickers” on January 25.
Several days later, the campaign said they discovered numerous Colatorti campaign signs damaged in the same manner in Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills and Woodstock.
A police report was filed with all law enforcement agencies where the damage occurred.
According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, last month Hanlon contributed $1,000 to Colatorti’s opponent, Robb Tadelman, in the race for McHenry County sheriff.
“The Colatorti campaign is seeking justice for all of those responsible for these petty and underhanded acts. Anyone who has further information about these crimes is encouraged to contact law enforcement,” the Colatorti campaign said in their statement.
“The chief law enforcement officer in this County needs to be someone who exemplifies integrity and who inspires others to act with honor,” Colatorti said.
“As the head of my campaign, I set the tone and will continue to ensure that my supporters help me run an honest, positive, and law-abiding campaign. I regret to say, my opponent does not seem to be instilling the same standard,” Colatorti added.
Court records show Hanlon turned himself in to the McHenry County Jail Wednesday evening.
He was released an hour later after posting bond.