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DCFS worker released after completing jail sentence for failing to protect Crystal Lake boy AJ Freund murdered by mother

A DCFS worker who was sentenced to six months in jail for failing to protect AJ Freund, the 5-year-old Crystal Lake boy murdered by his mother, has been released after completing his sentence. Lake County Associate Judge George Strickland sentenced former DCFS social worker Carlos J. Acosta, 58, of Woodstock, to six months in jail […]

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DCFS worker sentenced to 6 months in McHenry County Jail for intentionally failing to protect AJ Freund

Saying he intentionally failed to prevent the death of a 5-year-old Crystal Lake child from his heroin-addicted abusive mother, a Lake County Judge sentenced a DCFS worker to six months in McHenry County Jail for his role in the death of AJ Freund. But, before being sentenced to jail, former DCFS social worker Carlos J. […]

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Former DCFS worker seeks new trial after being convicted in ‘sham investigation’ leading up to AJ Freund’s murder

A former DCFS worker has requested a new trial, arguing he did not receive a fair trial, after he was found guilty of mishandling abuse investigations of AJ Freund before the Crystal Lake boy’s murder. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 […]

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Former DCFS worker faces up to 10 years in prison after being convicted in ‘sham investigation’ leading to AJ Freund’s murder

A former DCFS worker faces up to 10 years in prison but could also get probation after a judge found him guilty of mishandling abuse investigations of AJ Freund before his murder. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 with two counts […]

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Judge finds former DCFS worker guilty, supervisor not guilty of mishandling AJ Freund abuse investigations

A judge found a former DCFS worker guilty and his supervisor not guilty of mishandling abuse investigations of AJ Freund leading up to the Crystal Lake boy’s 2019 murder. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 with two counts of endangering the […]

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Trial to resume Oct. 13 for 2 former DCFS workers charged with mishandling AJ Freund abuse investigations

A trial will resume on October 13 for the two former DCFS workers accused of mishandling abuse investigations of AJ Freund leading up to the Crystal Lake boy’s murder. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 with two counts of endangering the […]

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2 former DCFS workers decline to testify, closing arguments to take place next month in AJ Freund neglect trial

The two former DCFS workers on trial for mishandling abuse investigations of Crystal Lake boy AJ Freund declined to testify Friday and a judge has scheduled closing arguments for next month. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 with two counts of […]

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Witnesses testify during day 4 of neglect trial that AJ Freund would have been alive if 2 DCFS workers took further action

A doctor and an attorney testified Thursday they believe AJ Freund would be alive today if the two DCFS workers accused of mishandling his abuse investigations took protective custody of him. Carlos J. Acosta, 57, of Woodstock, and Andrew R. Polovin, 51, of Island Lake, were both charged in September 2020 with two counts of […]