Freeport, Ill. - Legislation making it legal to possess marijuana in Illinois for medical reasons failed to garner enough votes Thursday to be approved by the Illinois House of Representatives. Even so, the bill in question did get enough support to be placed on "postponed consideration," which means it will likely come up for a vote again in the near future. State Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Pecatonica, and local police officials say they have serious reservations about the proposed law, and that the legislation, if enacted, would be unsafe and difficult to enforce. [continues 776 words]
FREEPORT - Although concerns have been raised about apparent disparities in the way federal laws penalize crack cocaine crimes when compared to those involving powder cocaine, Stephenson County State's Attorney John Vogt said he does not see such a problem with the way drug sentencing is handled in Illinois. County Public Defender Glenn Schorsch, however, said there are disparities in this state's drug laws. But such disparities are not the same as what exists on the federal level, he said. [continues 623 words]
Public Defender Warns of Stiff Penalties for Even First-Time Drug Offenses FREEPORT - The number of first-time drug offenders in Freeport being sentenced to serious prison time is cause for great concern to Stephenson County Public Defender Glenn Schorsch, who worries that many of these young offenders may not fully understand the legal consequences of their crimes. Schorsch said he has seen about eight to 12 defendants in the last three months who either have been sentenced or may be sentenced to prison time for drug charges despite the fact that they have no prior criminal records. [continues 745 words]
DUBUQUE, Iowa - Law enforcement officials from three states gathered in Dubuque on Wednesday to send methamphetamine manufacturers a message about the consequences of their actions. Namely, that those traveling to other states to obtain the ingredient pseudoephedrine for meth could end up in federal prison, officials say. "People who continue to get involved in (meth) face serious consequences," said Richard Murphy, criminal chief for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Iowa. "The laws are very strict in this area." [continues 365 words]
Two Area Task Forces Benefit From State Grants FREEPORT - Along with signing legislation strengthening the penalties for manufacturing methamphetamine, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich also recently announced significant federal funding that will be available to state law enforcement teams fighting the meth problem, including grants for area agencies like the State Line Area Narcotics Team Task Force and the Blackhawk Area Task Force. According to a news release from the Governor's Office, SLANT, which covers Stephenson, Winnebago, and Boone counties, will receive a $149,995 Justice Assistant Grant, and the Blackhawk Area Task Force, which covers Jo Daviess, Carroll and other counties, will receive an $86,970 JAG grant. [continues 390 words]
Vogt, Appointed In 2004, Says He Will Continue Fight Against Drug Dealers FREEPORT - Stephenson County State's Attorney John Vogt announced Monday that he will run to keep his job in the 2006 election. If elected, he said he will continue cracking down on drug dealers, bring increased attention to crime victims, and expand his public speaking program. "It was certainly a privilege to be selected as state's attorney," Vogt said in a written statement. "I have tried to continue the high standards of performance and dedication of my predecessor, Michael Bald. I have been blessed with a committed staff of attorneys and paralegals, which has made the transition as smooth as possible." [continues 496 words]
