SPRINGFIELD — Criminal charges could be filed against a fugitive’s spouse, parent and other close relatives who help him flee to avoid prosecution under a bill the Illinois House overwhelmingly sent to the governor Wednesday.
The measure is inspired by a Tribune investigation that showed relatives helped fugitives leave the United States and remain free even in cases where people were killed.
Illinois is one of 14 states that exempt close relatives from criminal charges in such cases, a point underscored in the Tribune series “Fugitives From Justice,” which this month was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting. The new legislation would make it a felony for close relatives 18 and older to aid fugitives.
“You have responsibility as parent or a sibling or close relative not to take affirmative action to help someone escape a jurisdiction,” said sponsoring Rep. Sid Mathias, R-Buffalo Grove.
Springfield, IL – State Representative Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove), as lead sponsor, passed Senate Bill 2520 through the Illinois House of Representatives today aimed at toughening state laws governing the aiding and abetting of fugitives fleeing from jurisdiction by closing known loopholes in the law.
“Current law in Illinois exempts family members from prosecution for concealing or aiding a fugitive,” said Mathias. “There have been reports in Illinois of multiple cases of suspects fleeing the country with the aid of their family. I hope this law discourages this behavior and puts another tool in the belt of law enforcement.”
“State Rep. Sid Mathias, an Arlington Heights Republican, returned yesterday from a week long trip to Israel led by Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford.
“Mathias said he met with the Israel-based leaders of several Illinois companies, including Abbott Labs, Boeing and McDonald’s, about their activities in the country.
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“‘It’s amazing what a small country can do,’ he (Mathias) said.”
CHICAGO – State Representative Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) is headed with Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford and a delegation of Illinois leaders to Israel to advance the economic and cultural ties between Illinois and Israel. No taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the trip.
The group leaves Saturday, March 31, and will travel for approximately one week. The host of the trip is the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.
Illinois State Rep. Sidney Mathias and several representatives of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago including Executive Vice President Jay Tcath are departing on the trip. “I look forward to traveling to Israel with Treasurer Rutherford,” said Rep. Mathias. “Our hope is that this trip and series of meetings in Israel will lead to more opportunities for Illinois businesses.”
Springfield, IL – In response to area residents and business owners, State Representative Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) introduced and passed today in the Illinois House a measure today requiring IDOT to develop a policy in notifying the public of oncoming road construction projects at least five days prior to the commencement of the project.
“It is not only important that we ensure small businesses are not unfairly impacted during public works projects, but also that they are given awareness,” said Mathias. “These small businesses are the backbone of our community and a driving engine of our economy. They need to know about construction that could impact their bottom line. In addition, our residents need to find alternate routes to avoid construction congestion.”
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