Gangs continue to survive, ever present in our streets, parks and schools. McHenry County State’s Attorney Louise I. Bianchi is using a strong tool to combat the existence of street gangs and thwart gang-related criminal activity.
Bianchi announced today that his office has filed a civil lawsuit against the Latin Kings street gang under the Illinois Street Gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.
While the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office has previously prosecuted individual gang members, this initiative seeks to destroy the infrastructure of the gang and promote zero tolerance of gang-related activity.
The Act, passed in 1993 by the Illinois General assembly, recognizes that the activities of street gangs operating throughout Illinois present a clear and present danger to public order and safety; a danger which no society should be required to endure without recourse.
This injunctive lawsuit is a strong tool to combat the existence of street gangs and thwart gang-related criminal activity. The lawsuit seeks to classify Latin Kings members as members of a “street gang,” as defined by the Act, and seeks to stop identified gang members from associating with each other, possessing or discharging firearms, using, possessing, delivering or manufacturing illegal or controlled substances, directing or participating in assaults and batteries, and applying gang graffiti to public or private property. In addition to injunctive relief, monetary damages, and any other relief considered equitable and proper by the court are sought.
The McHenry County State’s Attorney would like to thank the City of Harvard, and all Harvard Police detectives, officers, and staff for their dedication to public safety, hard work, preparation, and cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. We hope that this collaboration will encourage further cooperation amongst various law enforcement and community agencies to bring an end to street gangs in our communities.
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