WCSO Press Releases

The Will County Sheriff’s Investigation Division is announcing the arrest of Anthony Dvorak, age 35, of 28240 S. Walsh Road in Manhattan.  Dvorak is facing charges of arson and criminal damage to property, both Class 2 felonies. He was also cited for DUI, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On 11/8/2020 at 11:05pm, deputies were dispatched to the 9500 block of Pauling Road, Manhattan, where they located a 2017 Chevy Silverado that had struck a utility pole.  The injured driver, identified as Dvorak, was observed in a nearby field and was brought back to the scene.  Frankfort Fire personnel arrived on scene and transported him to Silver Cross Hospital.  He was treated for severe burns on both of his feet, facial bruising, a fractured nose and a cut above his eye.   Deputies charged him at the hospital with the DUI and the other driving violations.    

 Deputies spoke with witnesses near the scene who stated that they observed the accident immediately following it and observed Dvorak with no shoes and burns on his feet while struggling to walk away from the accident.  Deputies found no sign of a fire in or around the Silverado.  The vehicle was towed and during a later search, a handheld torch and a small lighter were recovered.

 The same evening, at 11:00pm, 911 dispatch received a call from a husband and wife who live in the 11000 block of W. Pauling Road.  They stated that their pole barn was on fire.  Upon deputy’s arrival, Manhattan and Peotone Fire were already on the scene and had extinguished the fire.  During an interview with the homeowners, it was relayed that shortly after they saw their pole barn on fire they began receiving text message alerts from Green Garden Township regarding a power outage caused by an accident nearby.  They also received Facebook community page photos from neighbors regarding a Chevy Silverado that had struck a utility pole.   The couple believed they recognized the vehicle as belonging to Dvorak.  They stated to deputies that they had recently had a falling out with Dvorak, had previous issues with him, and had cut ties with him regarding their friendship. 

 On 11/9/20, Sheriff’s detectives met at the W. Pauling Road residence along with Manhattan Fire Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal, Kevin Smith, and Illinois Special Agent/K-9 Handler, Michael Kuban with K-9 Phantom.  Fire Marshal personnel conducted a thorough  investigation and while ‘Phantom’ was conducting an open-air sniff of the pole barn he alerted to probable presence of an ignitable/flammable liquid.  Based on the fire marshal report, the fire was started outside the service door and traveled into the pole barn….the combustible substance had an odor such as gasoline and was ignited by use of an open flame.  Charred fabric and other debris was collected by deputies and processed for evidence.  Estimated damage to the barn and its contents is $300,000.

 After several search warrants were secured and evidence processed, an arrest warrant for Anthony Dvorak was issued on 2/11/2021.  Bond was set at $250,000 (10% to apply.)    Dvorak turned himself into the Frankfort Police Department on 2/19/21.  He was booked in and then bonded out. 

 The Will County Sheriff’s Office, Investigations Division, would like to express their thanks to Kevin Smith, Michael Kuban, and ‘Phantom’, from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Through their professionalism, expertise, and assistance, the outcome of this investigation was successful.    

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The Will County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrest of Michael R. Kennedy, age 24, of 10562 Lexington Lane in Frankfort Township.   In December 2019, the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Unit received a cyber-tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce regarding an individual who was possibly sharing and uploading hundreds of child pornography videos and images online.

Sheriff’s detectives began a thorough investigation that led them to the identity of the offending individual as Michael Kennedy.   A search warrant of Kennedy’s home was executed in late August 2020 and several electronic devices were collected.   Detectives also interviewed Kennedy on that day where he made several statements implicating himself.

Over the next several months, forensic examinations were implemented on the devices. Upon completion of the full investigation, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Kennedy on Monday, February 8.   Kennedy was picked up at his residence in Frankfort this morning and was taken into custody without incident.  

Michael Kennedy is charged with three counts of child pornography.  His bond was set at $150,000 (10% to apply.)

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On 01/30/2021, at approximately 3:52 PM, deputies with the Will County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of 3^rd Avenue and Anderson Avenue in reference to a shots fired complaint.  Upon deputies arriving to the area, a male subject was located outside laying on the ground with a single gunshot wound to his torso in need of medical attention. 

Deputies with the Will County Sheriff’s Office rendered aid to the 21-year-old male who was transported to a local area hospital.  The victim required surgery and is currently in stable condition.  Witnesses indicated that they heard two shots and observed two black, males flee from the area after the victim was struck by gunfire.  It appears that the victim in this case was specifically targeted by the suspect(s).

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in attempting to identify the offender in this incident.  If anyone has information pertaining to this incident, or was a witness to the shooting they are encouraged to contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 815-727-8574.       

    Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley is announcing the reopening and return to the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety Complex, 16911 W. Laraway Road in Joliet, and the Adult Detention Facility, 95 S. Chicago Street in Joliet, beginning Monday, January 25, 2021 at 8:00am.   All Covid related precautions will be enforced.  Masks are mandatory in order to enter the building and social distancing is required.

    In order to minimize visitors to the Public Safety Complex, we ask the public to continue some of the procedures that are in place:

 1)       If you are a victim of a minor crime or a victim of identity theft, and are in need of a police report, we encourage you to visit the Sheriff’s website at www.willcosheriff.org.  On the website, you will see a list of Online Forms.  Please fill out and submit the form that pertains to your needs such as, Online Police Report, FOIA request, or Contact the Sheriff’s Office.

2)      If you need to speak to a deputy for a non-emergency situation, please call 815-727-8575.  If necessary, a deputy will be dispatched to your location. 

   Regarding the Video Visitation Building located at 20 S. Chicago Street in Joliet – we will begin taking visitation appointments by phone only on Monday and Tuesday. The Visitation Building will be closed on these days.    Scheduled appointments will begin on Wednesday, January 27^th.   To set up an appointment call 815-774-7950.   Masks are mandatory in order to enter the building and social distancing is required. 

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On 01/04/2021 at approximately 4:35 PM, Deputies with the Will County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7700 block of Harbor Court in Unincorporated Frankfort Township in reference to an armed robbery complaint. 

Upon deputies’ arrival, the victim informed deputies that a black Kia Soul four-door vehicle drove up to the victim’s residence, occupied by four male/black subjects.  Suspect number one exited the vehicle and approached the victim, brandishing a black handgun and demanded money.  The victim dropped her purse, and the offender took approximately $30.00 in United States Currency and fled the scene in the vehicle. 

Suspect number one, was described as a male/black subject in his twenties with exposed facial hair, wearing a mask.  It was learned by deputies on scene, that a similar vehicle was reported as being involved in a criminal trespass to a vehicle complaint in the Village of Mokena, just prior to this incident.  That vehicle was identified as a stolen vehicle out of the City of Chicago.  Deputies broadcast an Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network (ISPERN) message, attempting to locate the vehicle that had committed the armed robbery.

Members of the Tinley Park Police Department located the vehicle traveling northbound on Harlem Avenue and followed the vehicle, providing updates to the vehicle’s location to area departments.  Illinois State Police later attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, near I-57 and I-94.  The suspect vehicle crashed in the area of I-94 and 83^rd Avenue.  Three of the four suspects were taken into custody on scene, and a total of three firearms were recovered when the suspects were taken into custody.  The fourth suspect is currently at large, and is to be considered armed and dangerous. 

Members of the Will County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division are in the process of conducting interviews with the suspects, and gathering additional evidence.  Criminal charges are pending at this time, and additional information will be forthcoming in this active investigation.  Sheriff Mike Kelley and the rest of the Will County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the various police agencies involved in this coordinated effort to bring these perpetrators to justice.        

~END OF WATCH ~

December 16, 2020

SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR COWORKER AND FRIEND

DEPUTY CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

MICHAEL OLINO

 It is with extreme grief and sadness that we say goodbye to our friend and coworker, Deputy Correctional Officer Mike Olino.  Mike was on duty at the Adult Detention Facility, Wednesday night, December 16^th, when he began having back pains. Those around him noticed his discomfort and offered assistance. As they recognized his symptoms began to worsen, the fire department was requested.  Joliet Fire Department transported Mike to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet.  Deputy Correctional Officer Olino was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival.  Mike Olino was 47 years old.

Mike began his career at the Will County Adult Detention Facility on December 29, 2003, three years after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps where he received many awards.  

Throughout Mike’s career at the ADF, he became very knowledgeable about the day-to-day operations of the facility.  He was a senior officer on day shift and was always willing to help his co-workers.  He was highly respected and had a gift of making those around him find humor to get through tough days.  He was a proud member of the Emergency Response Team and his commitment to the ADF and his peers was evident to all that knew him.  

Deputy Correctional Officer Mike Olino will be remembered by his co-workers, not only as a great guy and friend, but also as being a true family man.  Not a day would go by without him speaking about his loving wife, his daughter, his son, or his extended family.  He lived his life for them.  

The news of Mike’s sudden death has shaken the entire Will County Sheriff’s Office staff.   Rest in Peace Mike.  You will never be forgotten.  

We extend our deepest sorrow to Mike’s wife, two teenage children, and to his family and friends. 

Funeral arrangements are pending.