WCSO Press Releases

   The Will County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Michael P. Levin, age 62, of Ashland Avenue in Steger on four counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a Class 2 Felony.

In October 2017, Sheriff’s Office Investigators were notified that an initial investigation had begun regarding a cyber-tip that came into the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  During the course of that investigation, it was revealed that the possible suspect was located in the jurisdiction of Will County. 

   Will County Detectives took over the case and continued the investigation.  On February 8 they met with Levin at his home.  Levin was cooperative and gave detectives consent to search the residence and electronic devices.  During their computer forensic investigation, detectives discovered over 1000 videos and images of child pornography. 

  Yesterday, February 13^th, Sheriff’s detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Michael Levin.  Detectives served that warrant to Levin at his residence yesterday afternoon and transported him to the Adult Detention Facility.    His bond was set at $500,000 (10% to apply). 

 Levin was a Special Education Teacher at Speed S.E.J.A. in Chicago Heights for over 39 years and had recently retired.  –end-

The Will County Jury Commission has once again advised the Sheriff's Office that several citizens have notified them that they have received calls from people who claim to be a Deputy or Deputy Chief from the Will County Sheriff’s office.  These individuals state that because the person did not show up for jury duty they will need to pay a fine or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.  

The most recent reports that have come into the Sheriff’s Office are from local doctors who have informed us that the caller identifies themselves as Deputy Dave Adams.  The fraudulent number is 815-202-4023.  Past numbers used by these scammers are: 815-733-8238 and 815-733-1909.  These individuals threaten the person with being arrested if they do not go to their local store, purchase specific gift cards, and call them back with the gift card numbers.  These scammers are aggressive and even appear legitimate by using Docket numbers and other legal terms in order to scare the person into believing them.

Be Aware!  The Will County Sheriff's Office and the Will County Jury Commission DO NOT call citizens regarding jury duty no-shows or to threaten issuing an arrest warrant for you.

 Please, do not fall victim to these individuals and their threats!   Do not give out any personal information or agree to purchase gift cards or send money!  Just hang up the phone! 

If you receive one of these calls you can make a police report with the law enforcement agency that is under your jurisdiction.   -end- 

Will County Sheriff's detectives completed their investigation yesterday, 1/25/2018, of a Peotone man who was soliciting and grooming, who he believed to be, a 14-year-old boy for a sexual encounter.   Christopher Forster, age 63, of 8958 N. Offner Road in Peotone was taken into custody yesterday afternoon and charged with Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Grooming, Traveling to meet a minor, and Distribution of Harmful Materials. 

In October of 2017, Sheriff's detectives began an investigation on a Craigslist post and initiated an online relationship with Forster. Throughout the course of the investigation numerous inappropriate and sexually explicit emails and photos were sent from Forster.  Yesterday, a meeting was set up at a Crest Hill public establishment where Forster arrived in hopes of a sexual encounter with the juvenile.  Detectives took him into custody for questioning and with the evidence collected during the investigation and statements that Forster made implicating himself, he was arrested.  Christopher Forster is currently at the Adult Detention Facility awaiting his bond hearing at 1:30pm today.  -end-

Will County Sheriff's detectives have three male juveniles in custody and have charged them with criminal damage to state supported property, criminal trespass to a state supported property, and theft.   Detectives brought the juveniles into the Investigations Division for questioning after evidence gathered pointed to them as possible suspects in the December 22nd and December 28th break-in of Lincolnway North High School, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue in Frankfort.

Sheriff's deputies were called to the high school by administrative staff and the maintenance supervisor on December 28th about 8:50pm where they were advised that the west doors of the cafeteria were found to be propped open.  Deputies searched and secured the building at that time and observed damage caused by offenders.   Video surveillance was viewed and it was discovered that five male juveniles had been inside the school on at least two occassions (December 22nd and 28th) and had caused the damage. 

Damage included multiple doors and  door frames broken and also a window, water damage in the Science Lab, several fire extinguishers were removed from their cases and sprayed throughout the building and in the auditorium.  Clothing and keys were stolen.  

Sheriff's detectives continue their investigation into this case.  Additional arrests are expected.   Updates will be forthcoming when appropriate.  -end-

On 12/26/17 at 11:43pm, Sheriff's deputies responded to a call at Christian Faith Center, 1800 S. Water Street in Wilmington for the shooting of a 15 year old male, resident of Godley.  Upon arrival deputies observed the nonresponsive victim within the main area of the church with a gunshot wound to his left armpit.  A family member and deputies performed CPR until Wilmington Fire arrived on scene.  The young man was transported to Riverside Hospital in Kankakee where he was pronounced deceased. 

Sheriff's deputies spoke to the Pastor of the center and other family members on scene.  It was reported that the victim and his 17 year old cousin, who is the son of the Pastor, were in a bedroom of the residence that is connected to the church, when they heard what they believed to be someone attempting to break in to the church.   The two boys went to a closet that held firearms and retrieved a rifle.  The 17 year old had possession of the rifle and was running toward the gymnasium where the sound was coming from.  The 15 year old was in front of the 17 year old, at which time the 17 year old tripped over an extension cord that was attached to an industrial fan.  The 17 year old began to fall when the rifle was accidentally discharged, striking his 15 year old cousin.

The 17 year old was brought into the Investigations Division by Sheriff's detectives where he fully cooperated.  It was reported that the Pastor and his family had recently moved into the residential portion of the property.  This morning, detectives met with the Will County State's Attorney's Office to discuss the facts of the investigation.  It was determined that this was a tragic accident.  The 17 year old was released to his parents without charges.  He has a valid FOID card.   -end-

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley would like to announce that Christopher G. Gills, age 39, of Houma, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged for the offense of Attempted First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault.  An arrest warrant was issued on 12/06/2017 in the amount of $1,000,000-10% to apply.

On 10/28/2017, at approximately 8:48 AM, deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2411 Meridian Drive in unincorporated Joliet Township in reference to an unresponsive person bleeding inside of the residence.  Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Stephanie Evans, age 35, of Joliet, on a bedroom floor of a residence covered in blood.  Several puncture type wounds were visible to deputies along with various other injuries.  It was later learned that Stephanie had been shot several times, both in the head and in the abdomen. 

Will County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene, and Will County Sheriff’s Police Detectives were contacted to investigate the crime.  Through various interviews, detectives were able to identify a person of interest in the case.  The victim and the offender had a previous dating relationship approximately six months prior.  Numerous subpoenas and search warrants were issued to further the investigation. 

Through various investigative means detectives of the Will County Sheriff’s Office were able to place the offender, Christopher Gills at or near the scene when the attack took place.  At the time of the violent attack, the offender was armed and wearing a ski mask.  The ski mask was left on scene, and collected.  The mask was sent to a crime lab to be analyzed for forensic evidence.  The ski mask contained DNA that was a match for Christopher Gills. 

On 12/07/2017, Detectives with the Will County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Houma, Louisiana in an attempt to apprehend and speak with Christopher Gills.  With the assistance of the Houma Police Department, Christopher Gills was taken into custody without incident.  The investigation is on-going, and additional information will be provided at the appropriate time.

Christopher Gills will remain in the custody of the Houma Police Department, pending transfer to another facility.  An extradition hearing will be forthcoming in regards to the custody of Christopher Gills being transferred over to the Will County Sheriff’s Police.