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Pre-trial release granted for former juvenile counselor for Lake County Court accused of sending nude photos to child

A former juvenile counselor for Lake County Court was granted pre-trial release after being arrested for allegedly sending nude photos of herself to a child she met while he was in county custody. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said detectives became aware that Bayleigh Hoyt, 28, of Buffalo Grove, engaged a 17-year-old boy […]

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Now-former juvenile counselor for Lake County Circuit Court accused of sending nude photos to child

A now-former juvenile counselor for Lake County Circuit Court has been arrested for allegedly sending nude photos of herself to a child she met while he was in county custody. Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said detectives became aware that Bayleigh Hoyt, 28, of Buffalo Grove, engaged a 17-year-old boy in inappropriate text […]

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Officials announce 23 candidates that applied to fill vacant Lake County associate judge seat

Nearly two dozen attorneys have applied to become the next associate judge for Lake County’s 19th Judicial Circuit Court following the retirement of a long-time judge last month. The Administrative Office of Illinois Courts notified Lake County Chief Judge Daniel Shanes that 23 local attorneys applied for the associate judge vacancy in the 19th Judicial […]

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‘Impact on the community is immeasurable’: Lake County judge retires after 22 years of service

A Lake County judge, who was assigned to the detention hearing courtroom, has retired after 22 years of service with officials saying his impact on the community was “immeasurable.” Colleagues, friends and family gathered Friday to celebrate the retirement of Lake County Associate Judge Theodore S. Potkonjak. “Judge Potkonjak, we have known each other for […]

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‘Invaluable and unique addition’: Lake County Circuit Court announces addition of comfort support dog

The Lake County Circuit Court announced its newest four-legged employee, a comfort support dog, who is the first designated courthouse canine in Illinois. The 19th Judicial Circuit Court said Monday morning that Desi is its newest employee. She has curly apricot-colored hair, a fuzzy tail and an “uncanny ability to make almost everyone smile,” the […]

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Lake County Circuit Court Judge receives Lifetime Advocate Award from Arab American Bar Association

Lake County Associate Judge Michael B. Betar received the 2024 Arab American Bar Association of Illinois Lifetime Advocate Award during a judicial reception in Chicago earlier this month. The Arab American Bar Association of Illinois is a professional association of attorneys dedicated to the rule of law, equal justice, fellowship, legal education, and community service […]

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Lake County Circuit Court awards $100K in grants to two organizations that provide legal services, support crime victims

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court has awarded $100,000 in grants to two organizations that provide legal services and support for sexual assault victims. The 19th Judicial Circuit’s Crime Victims’ Services Fund Committee, created in August 2021, provides grants annually to non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, local government agencies and agencies providing services to the […]

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Scammers targeting Lake County residents by impersonating circuit court, sheriff’s office officials

Authorities are warning that scammers, claiming to be with the sheriff or court, have been targeting Lake County residents by claiming callers have a warrant for their arrest. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit Court said in a joint statement Wednesday that the scam involves con artists calling residents and introducing themselves […]