Hate Crime Guilty Plea Draws Probation: Court Watch

A hate crime and robbery case against two southwestern suburban men that began more than two years ago ended as the pair pleaded guilty to one felony count each of a hate crime. Akram Alshoweat, 24, of Oak Lawn and Mohammed Shaban, 37, of Hickory Hills have to pay court costs and were each sentenced to 24 months probation  by Cook County Judge Colleen Ann Hyland in her Bridgeview courtroom. Other related charges were dismissed.

The two men were charged in connection to a June 2010 incident where police say they attacked a woman they believed to be a lesbian outside a Hickory Hills restaurant.

Patch rounds up the Southland's major criminal and civil cases being heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.

FRANKFORT — Frankfort Police Seek Court Order to Force Testimony

Frankfort police are seeking a court order to force a Mokena woman to tell the Frankfort Board of Fire and Police Commissioners how her ex-boyfriend, Frankfort police officer Donald Walsh,  her last summer, according to a report from WLS Radio.

The 32-year old woman refused to testify against Walsh, 29, of Monee, at a commission disciplinary hearing in October, said WLS. If she continues to refuse to testify, she could be held in contempt by a judge.

HOMEWOOD — Homewood Man Accused in Child Sex Assault Pleads Not Guilty

A 71-year-old Homewood man pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Nov. 7 to 18 felony counts of criminal sexual assault and abuse stemming from allegations that he abused a juvenile over two years. Hugh T. Copeland has been in custody since Oct. 3 on a $300,000 D bond.  

ORLAND PARK — Arraignment Set for Former Sandburg Cashier Accused of Theft

Cheryl L. Becker, 54, of Oak Forest, has been charged with two counts of felony theft after authorities say she stole two cash deposits from Sandburg High School, where she worked as a cashier.

Becker is set to enter a plea on the charges on Nov. 21.

ORLAND PARK — Former Firefighter to be Arraigned on New Child Porn Charges Later This Month

A former Orland firefighter will be arraigned later on the most recent felony charges against him. Dean Milenkovic, 46, has been charged with two counts of possession of child pornography. He is set to enter a plea on those charges on Nov. 26.

Milenkovic has already pleaded not guilty to felony charges filed earlier this year, manufacturing of harmful material via webcam and two counts of solicitation of a child.

NEW LENOX — Case Continued for New Lenox resident and Bremen teacher charged with fondling students

Ross Larson, 26, will be back in a Markham courtroom on Dec. 18. He is facing indecent solicitation and aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges related to alleged incidents with three teen girls.

NEW LENOX — Carlton Fisk Lawyer Wants Judge to Strike Out DUI Evidence

The lawyer for White Sox immortal Carlton Fisk is fighting to get the Hall of Famer's driver's license back and to have evidence ejected from his drunken driving case.

Fisk, 64, lost his license when he allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test during his arrest Oct. 22 on charges of driving under the influence, improper lane usage and illegal transportation of alcohol. Police said they found Fisk passed out behind the wheel of his pickup truck in a cornfield. 

PALOS — Legal Wrangling Over Doc Testimony Continues in Granat Murder Case

Attorneys in the murder case against one of four young men accused in the robbery and beating death of a Palos Township couple are still hashing out the details of allowing a doctor to testify about one of the defendant's mental state.

On the Docket for Next Week

TUESDAY

• Orland Park man accused of possession of child porn

WEDNESDAY

• Tinley Park home remodeler charged with fraud
• New Lenox man charged with beating a man into a coma

THURSDAY 

• Orland Park man accused of carjacking 88-year-old woman

FRIDAY

• Five Indiana men charged in connection to a brawl at Ashford House restaurant