The Southland's major criminal and civil cases heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.
Cook County
Judge Gives Attorneys Time to Review Upcoming Ruling in Kustok Trial
Orland Park Drifter Pleads Not Guilty to Rape, Assault
Porn-Truck Driver Avoids Jail Time
Will County
Burglary Defendants Who Caused Lock Down Plead Not Guilty
Mokena Police Break Moving Car Window and Climb In to Stop It
Murder Defendant Looking for Speedy Trial to Prove His Innocence
On the Docket Next Week
MONDAY
ORLAND PARK — Judge John J. Hynes is expected to decide whether to seal all documents related to the Alan Kustok murder trial from public view. Although Orland Park police have not released nor — according to prosecutors — finished their reports, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed an emergency protective order following attempts by media outlets to obtain those reports by legal request.
PALOS PARK — Also before Hynes, possibly for the last time, will be the four men accused of murdering unincorporated Palos Park residents John and Maria Granat. John Granat, Christopher Wyma, Mohammad Salahat and Ehab Qasem pleaded not guilty last week. Their attorneys are expected to file petitions for a change of judge.
ORLAND PARK — Four men charged with Class X felonies in connection with the armed robbery of an Orland Park jewelry store return to court. Darrin Carter and Lance Vaughn, both of Chicago, were arrested shortly after the burglary, while Antoinne Kelly, of University Park, and Charles Harper, of Lansing, outmaneuvered police, speeding away on I-80. They were arrested separately within a couple days.
NEW LENOX — Two men who police say had knowledge of the murder of Dwight Jones and proceeded to rob the dead New Lenox man’s home, as his body decayed, will be back in court for pretrial hearings. John White, 20, and David Reed, 23, both of Chicago, were charged with residential burglary.
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