Update: January 13, 2007
I received a response from the County of Cook, Office of the State's Attorney today. The letter reports in part "...Re: Cook County Sheriff's Deputies...I am in receipt of your letter dated December 24, 2006...I have forwarded it to Jim Knibbs, Supervisor of the Public Corruption & Financial Crimes Unit, for his review." Signed C. Konopka, Administrative Assistant to the State's Attorney.
Update: December 24, 2006
December 24, 2006
Mr. Richard A. Devine
Illinois’ Cook County State’s Attorney
69 West Washington, Suite 3200
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Eviction: Criminal actions of Cook County Sheriff’s Deputies and accomplices
Mr. Devine:
On or about September 8, 2006 there was a purported eviction by the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. This purported eviction turned into a robbery, theft, burglary and home evasion. Cook County Sheriff’s Deputies and their accomplices who purport to be there to remove the personal items of the occupants decided to vandalize, rob, and steal money and personal property from the occupants of the residence.
In addition, the A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc., Mr. Samusi B. Adelekan, et al. appears to have been involved in a scheme and/or conspiracy to defraud and criminally victimize the occupants of the apartment in question. I am requesting your office investigate the Cook County Sheriff's Department, specifically, the Sheriff’s deputies and accomplices mentioned in the letter dated September 16, 2006 to A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc., for gross misconduct, in that, their deputies and accomplices may be guilty of home invasion, robbery, theft, and burglary; and investigate, for criminal prosecution, the activities of the A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc. for improprieties leading up to and including their possible implicitly in the actions reported here.
Supposedly the deputies and accomplices entered the premises in question to evict the occupants. From the photos and videos taken by the residents/occupants, once permitted to go back into the residence after the Sheriff's deputies had left, one can clearly see that the deputies of the Sheriff's department and possibly their accomplices ransacked the apartment apparently looking for more money than they had already taken and additional personal property.
Cereal boxes and other boxed food can be clearly seen in the video, where the boxes have been opened and poured out, as well as the apartment looking like it has been searched and ransacked instead of an eviction taking place where someone would be taking all furniture and other items to put out of the residence/apartment. This is clearly a robbery, theft, burglary and possibly home invasion. Some of the occupants were in the house when the deputies arrived. The occupants were forced to leave their apartment without taking any of their personal items, such as money and valuables with them. The sheriff's deputies who entered the premises informed the occupants they could not take anything out of the apartment when they were forcibly removed before the Sheriff's deputies began searching and vandalizing the apartment instead of evicting the residents.
Please review the accompanying documents sent to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, specifically, to Mr. Thomas Dart and investigate.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Social Policy Analyst
cc:
Mr. Thomas Dart, Sheriff of Cook County
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
Copy of letter sent to A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group with documents (12)
December 21, 2006
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Mr. Michael Sheahan/Mr. Thomas Dart
Sheriff of Cook County
50 West Washington, Room 704
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Cook County Sheriff’s Office Corruption
Mr. Dart:
Your Sheriff’s Department went to this address reportedly for an eviction. This eviction turned into a robbery, theft and burglary by your Sheriff’s department and the individuals who accompanied your deputies for the purported purpose of removing the personal items of the occupants. My step-son, Christopher Bouyer-Coutee, has pictures and video of the apartment in question, which were taken after the “eviction.” From the video it is apparently clear this apartment was searched and vandalized by your Sheriff’s deputies and accomplices as if they were looking for more money and other personal items to steal, as reported in the letter dated September 16, 2006 addressed to A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc., 345 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610.
Those Cook County Sheriff’s deputies and their accomplices are criminals and they committed a criminal act. Christopher and an attorney visited your office about this issue. Your office reportedly stated it could not do anything.
Where is the investigation into the criminal activities of these deputies and their accomplices? My son lost valuable audio and video equipment. My son does not have a criminal background, nor is he involved in criminal activities. I will introduce and produce the videos on my website as soon as I extract them from the video recording device of my son. Please investigate
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Social Policy Analyst
cc:
Mr. Richard Devine, Illinois’ Cook County State’s Attorney
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
Copy of letter sent to A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group with documents (12)
September 16, 2006
A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc.
345 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Condo Association President:
Please be advised: I, Fred L Nance Jr., am advocating for Mr. Christopher Bouyer-Coutee. Advocacy agreement papers are on file and accompany this document. Christopher is 19-years-old.
On or about March 1, 2006 Christopher Bouyer-Coutee (Christopher), Percy Gibson (Gibson), Clifford Castillo (Castillo) and Lavell Sykes (Sykes) entered into a sub-lease agreement with Mr. Samusi B. Adelekan, who reports to an agent for A.T. Sterling Properties & Development Group, Inc. (“The Group”), renting apartment 4002. Christopher has a letter dated September 11, 2006 from Mr. Adelekan stating Christopher et al. have faithfully paid their rent for apartment 4002.
On or about September 8, 2006 the Cook County Sheriff’s Department evicted the occupants of apartment 4002, located at 345 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Christopher reports there were three (3) to four (4) Sheriff’s cars and a regular car evicting them. One of the Sheriffs’ car’s license plate number is S161166 and Squad car number 8421. Christopher reports they had not received “legal” notice of an eviction from owner of the condo nor from “The Group”.
Christopher Bouyer-Coutee was evicted from apartment 4002. Christopher reports the Cook County Sheriff’s department personnel evicted him from his apartment. Christopher reports “The Group” prevented him from obtaining his personnel belongings on September 8, 2006 stating he had to get it from the “new” owner of the condo. Christopher reports talking to the “new” owners on September 8, 2006, an old black couple, who stated they did not have anything to do with it. This old black couple was talking to the Sheriff who was evicting Christopher.
Christopher gave me information on the real estate agent who possibly is involved in this fiasco. Her name is Sandra Halliburton of Halli Enterprise. Christopher reports faxing a letter dated September 13, 2006 and proof of residency to Ms. Halliburton at 708-782-4147 (fax number). I called her at 773-368-0164. She refused to talk to me stating I should call number 773-723-2890. I called this number leaving a message because no one answered. I called this number on September 16, 2006 at approximately 6:15 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 7:15 pm.
My wife, Darlene Bouyer-Nance, called 773-723-2890. My wife states Ms. Halliburton answered the phone informing my wife she would contact “The Group” making arrangements for Christopher, Sykes, Gibson and Castillo to retrieve the rest of their personal property.
Christopher reports Sykes had $25,000.00 in the pocket of his snowsuit, hanging in the closet, which was ear-marked for loan pay back accrued for merchandise located at “Self Conscience Lifestyle Footwear & Apparel: By VDOT, 1021 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois, phone number 312-633-4000.
Christopher reports Castillo had $1800.00 in a shoe box, in the closet, which he was not able to retrieve because “The Group” agent would not permit him to re-enter the building. Christopher reports he was not able to retrieve 25 pairs of shoes, clothes, accessories and college supplies and books. Christopher reports Castillo, Sykes, and he have also lost their IPODS. Christopher also reports there were many other items not accounted for because of this non-notice, illegal eviction. No papers were served upon Christopher et al.
It appears there was no “legal” notice given the sub-lessees’ mentioned above. It appears “The Group” may have violated the sub-lessees’ housing rights, discriminating against them. It appears the agent, Sandra Halliburton, for the “new” owners violated the lessees’ housing rights, discriminating against them.
Also, why did “The Group” prevent the occupants from retrieving their personal property, especially their money? If the condo was owned by Mr. Adelekan, who is a representative of “The Group”, why didn’t he give the sub-lessees’ a “legal” notice of eviction? It is believed Mr. Adelekan owned the condo because his nephew collected the rent on the apartment. Why didn’t Mr. Adelekan inform the lessees’ of the threat of eviction?
According to Christopher, this apartment was in foreclosure on November 16, 2005, case number 05 CH 13576. The judgment of foreclosure was issued on January 3, 2006 against Tom Brendaro. Christopher and company never paid rent to Mr. Brendaro. Christopher and company paid rent to Mr. Adelekan’s nephew, which was cash. Who is Mr. Brendaro?
Therefore, I will mail this letter to “The Group” and fax it to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to see if there were any violations of the Act in this matter. I will file a complaint with this office. I expect a response from “The Group” and Halli Enterprises.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Social Policy Analyst
cc: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
December 2, 2006
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Mr. Michael Sheahan/Mr. Thomas Dart, Sheriff of Cook County
50 West Washington, Room 704
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Follow-up to complaint filed on May 23, 2005 and follow-up letter to this complaint dated November 3, 2005
Mr. Sheahan/Dart:
Sir, I have not heard anything from this office regarding my complaint filed May 23, 2005. Since it appears there is a “new” regime coming into this office, I would express my concern about my complaint.
This complaint has been ignored by the previous administration. It was assigned to an investigator, who I have tried on many occasions to contact. I would like to have his name and phone number, again. This investigator has not attempted to contact me. Please inform me if there will be anything new with this administration in addressing the concerns of the people who voted you into office.
Attached are the letters I have written to your office. I will post this letter and the initial letters sent to your office on May 23, 2005 on my website at http://click.townhall.com/ and post this letter with the letters from May 23, 2005 and November 3, 2005, which are already posted on my other website at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/. I would hope there are no reprisals from your office because of my correspondence and posting of this information. The public needs to know how our elected officials are responding in our behalf to justice and equality.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
cc: http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
This is my initial letter, which I walked over to the Inspector General’s office of the Cook County Sheriff Department headed by Michael Sheahan.
May 23, 2005
Inspector General
69 West Washington Street, Room 1410
Chicago, Illinois 606
Re: Illinois Cook County Sheriff Department Personnel – Unprofessional Conduct in a Court Room promoting separatism, racism, and indifferent treatment
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, Fred Nance Jr., am an African American pro se litigant in case # 00 P 1267, in room 1806, the Honorable Judge McGury presiding. On Friday, May 20, 2005, I attended court in room 1806. While I was presenting my case to Judge McGury, the “white” female sheriff deputy stated to me, “When you talk in this courtroom look straight at the Judge. Don’t look at the other people.” I was appalled, embarrassed, and humiliated.
I addressed this issue with Judge McGury. I asked the Judge, “who is she talking too. I know she is not talking to me.” I continued to litigate my case looking at the Judge and looking at the attorneys litigating against me. While the attorneys were litigating their side of the issue, particularly, Guardian ad litem Theresa Ceko, they looked at me. This “white” female sheriff’s deputy never said anything to them. Theresa Ceko and Attorney Bergmann are “white.”
The “white” female sheriff’s deputy called other sheriff deputies to courtroom 1806. By the time I finished my case, I had 2 sheriff deputies behind me, 3 sheriff deputies in the doorway leading to back offices of the courtroom, and 2 sheriff deputies outside the exit door to the courtroom. This is not done to other attorneys or non-attorneys, and should not be done to any litigant in a case, especially if they are not causing harm to any courtroom personnel.
There was no reason for this “white” female sheriff’s deputy to act as she did. It is my belief that she did it because of how I was litigating my case. I had Judge McGury’s attention toward the matters I was presenting. I was articulating my position well, and overcoming the adversarial conversations of Ms. Ceko and Attorney Bergmann.
I have a Bachelor and Master degree from Roosevelt University. My Bachelor’s degree is in Social Science. My Master’s degree is in Community Counseling. I am a certified Alcohol and Drug counselor with the Illinois Certification Board, dba, Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). I have been awarded the classification of National Certified Recovery Specialist (NCRS), which is also certified through IAODAPCA. I am a PhD candidate with Walden University. My doctoral studies are in the discipline of Human Services with a focus on Social Policy Analysis and Planning. I am two chapters away from my doctorate degree. I am not illiterate, and ignorant of the law. I can articulate my issues very well. I have been litigating in my own behalf for over 13 years.
This “white” female sheriff deputy’s behavior and statement to me in open court was disrespectful, embarrassing, and appalling. She owes me an apology. Her statement reminded me of past days when “white” people told “black” people to look down at the ground when you talk to a “white” person. I am 55-years-old. I remember racism in the Southern and Northern States of America. I know and can recognize racism in its present day stages. I address and correspond with other colleagues issues similar to these everyday on my website by email and writing letters (see http://www.complaints.com/ under my name, Fred Nance).
As stated above, I am a pro se litigant with similar rights as an attorney while litigating my case in a courtroom. Attorneys look around the courtroom while talking everyday. Attorneys look at each other while talking. Your “white” female sheriff’s deputy and the Sheriff’s department will not treat me indifferent in this courtroom or in any other courtroom.
Due to the acts complained of against this “white” female sheriff deputy, I gave up my Memorial holiday weekend with my grandson. When Attorney Bergmann asked me in front of Judge McGury if the respondent, Julia Johnson, could have my holiday weekend I said yes without thinking about what I had scheduled for this holiday weekend. I could not think at this time because of what was going on around me. I made this error due to the nervous feeling I had with the deputy sheriff’s that flanked my space and position in the courtroom. I did not know what they were going to do to me. I was thinking, during my litigating process, that the deputy sheriff’s were going to find something wrong with my speech in the courtroom and arrest me. This is appalling.
I was hindered from litigating my case, all because this “white” female sheriff’s deputy did not like how I was litigating my case to Judge McGury, Theresa Ceko, and Attorney Bergmann. Judge McGury did not see anything wrong with my litigating processes. She did not order the “white” sheriff’s deputy to act. There was nothing, apparently in Judge McGury sight, to act on. Not only did I lose my holiday visitation, Attorney Bergmann and Theresa Ceko scheduled the next court date for a court appearance without checking with me to confirm a date from my daily planner, which is common among litigating parties. This is appalling and unprofessional of a court officer.
The reason I was not present for the scheduling of the next court date is because I went to report this incident to the Sheriff department office on 7th floor. I needed to stop this adversarial behavior of this “white” female sheriff’s deputy. Lieutenant Janice Prescott took my statement. She did not write it down. She informed me that she and Assistant Chief Burrough Cartrette would investigate the issue. Lt. Prescott informed me that I could also complain to the Inspector General’s office. I am choosing to complain to the Inspector General’s office because I want a formal written complaint, which is this writing. I am also going to post this written complaint on my website, http://www.clickservices.org/.
This behavior and character of a “white” sheriff’s deputy cannot be tolerated. A sheriff’s deputy should not, and should be restrained from such actions and behavior as described above.
I would hope that the Illinois Cook County Sheriff’s Department does not attempt to cover up this incident because it is directed at a “white” female sheriff’s deputy. That is why I am posting this complaint on my website, to inform the world about the actions of a sheriff’s deputy of the Illinois Cook County Sheriff’s Department in Chicago. The Sheriff’s office should not humiliate, embarrass, or demean a litigant in any matter. This behavior can only lead to individuals believing there is no justice in the court system, and especially hindrance in the justice system from courtroom personnel.
I have been litigating in this courtroom since January 2000. This type of behavior is not practiced against “white” people litigating in this courtroom. This sheriff’s deputy informs the courtroom that there is no talking while court is in session. This sheriff’s deputy allows court personnel and attorneys to talk in the courtroom while court is in session. Many conversations in a courtroom are of court matters. This is no excuse for allowing the court personnel and private attorneys to talk in court while court is in session. They can go in the “back” to talk or in the hallway as other litigants are afforded. If non-attorneys and non-court personnel have to go outside the courtroom to talk, it should go across the board. Attorneys talk to each other all the time in this courtroom while court is in session in the courtroom. The public needs to know how the Illinois Cook County Sheriff’s Department works to promote separatism, racism, and overall disrespect to all African Americans.
I would hope that there is no retaliation from the Illinois Cook County Sheriff’s Department upon my person, in or out of court, for filing this report and pursuing my right to complain.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC
November 3, 2005
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Mr. Michael Sheahan
50 West Washington, Room 704
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Re: Letter/Complaint of May 23, 2005
Mr. Sheahan:
This letter/correspondence will be published and posted on my website at: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/. Concerned citizens who vote need to know how the Cook County Sheriff’s Office operates under the direction of Michael Sheahan. This is a brief account, but not all inclusive of the nefarious acts complained of against Cook County Sheriff Deputies assigned to Court Services at the Daley Center, specifically, courtrooms on the 18th floor, of character and behavior that was egregious, outrageous, despotic and demeaning in nature committed toward Fred Nance Jr.
I, Fred Nance Jr., filed the complaints below on or about May 23, 2005 with your Inspector General’s office. I was assigned an officer from the Internal Affairs Division. I have not received any correspondence from the assigned officer. I have left telephone messages. I have visited the Internal Affairs office and left messages, yet no one has contacted me with any results from their “internal” investigation.
I have informed your Internal Affairs office about continued harassment from other Sheriff’s Deputies in Court Services at the Daley Center. These deputies are assigned to Judges in the Probate Division on the 18th Floor. Most recently, I was harassed and intimidated on November 2, 2005.
If you read my writing “Chicago’s Daley Center Judicial Processes and Prejudices: President Bush’s Choice is the Solution for the Daley Center”, which is posted on my website at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/, it will give an understanding of what is going on in the courtroom, as I perceive it. What complicates my litigation processes as a “pro se” litigant is your deputies assigned to Court Services harassing and intimidating me while I am trying to survive this onslaught from Judge Riley and his cohorts.
On June 13, 2005 I wrote a letter to the Judicial Inquiry Board stating, in part, Judge McGury has allowed the courtroom staff, that is, Cook County Deputy Sheriffs’ and clerks, to degrade and humiliate Nance in open court (attached Sheriff’s complaint).
On July 18, 2005 I wrote a letter to the Honorable Chief Judge Timothy Evans stating, in part, On July 15, 2005, I presented a motion for recusal of a judge, which was heard by Judge James Riley. Judge Riley refused to recuse himself and refused to allow evidence presented for his recusal (letter dated January 12, 2001 to the Honorable Judge Henry Budzinski) to the record issuing an order to SOJ the case for a hearing to Presiding Judge Budzinski.
Judge Riley also allowed his courtroom staff, that is, Cook County Sheriff’s deputies to harass and intimidate me, such as surrounding me in the courtroom during the litigation process with no probable cause or provocation from me.
I requested of Cook County Deputy Sgt. Vogwill the names of the deputies that were present in the courtroom. Sgt. Vogwill refused to give their names stating I should ask the deputies for their names. I asked the Cook County Sheriff deputies for their names. The Cook County Sheriff’s deputies were Sgt. Vogwill (white female), Officers Keblis (white male), Covington (black female), and Olano (white/Hispanic male). When I asked deputy Olano for his name, he aggressively and with an intimidating gesture requested my name stating he had to make out a report for me asking him for his name. Sgt. Vogwill acknowledged and affirmed that deputy Olano had to file a report because I asked for his name. I would like a copy of this report.
On November 2, 2005, I was sitting outside Judge James Riley’s courtroom while he was conducting a trial. There were no Sheriff’s Deputies in the courtroom. As questioning was taking place a Sheriff’s Deputy came from room 1813 (I believe it was 1813; it is a records room) walking toward me putting on his tie and stood outside the courtroom of Judge Riley. He was approached by a female Sheriff’s Deputy and a male Sheriff’s Deputy. These two Sheriff’s Deputies have been part of my past reports to Internal Affairs. The Sheriff’s Deputy who was standing outside of Judge Riley’s courtroom told the other Deputies that he was called to be in Judge Riley courtroom because of an emergency. The two deputies grabbed the deputy by the arm and escorted him down the hallway where the three of them continued to talk.
When the Sheriff’s deputy came back and stood by Judge Riley’s courtroom I asked him “they posted you here for an emergency, huh? What is the emergency?” The officer ignored me. When the trial was over I entered the courtroom. The Sheriff’s Deputy entered the courtroom. Judge Riley called my case. I approached the bench and stood to the right of the bench. The Sheriff’s Deputy approached the bench and stood to the right of me. This was inappropriate and aggressive. I was not an inmate and I was not a threat to the courtroom procedure. After I articulated my issues and Judge Riley denied my motion, I left the courtroom. As I went out the door there were two more Sheriff’s deputies standing on the wall looking into Judge Riley’s courtroom. They looked away from me as I walked by them.
It may appear to you as happenstance (as other authorities from your office have deemed it), but I assure you your Sheriff’s Deputies were placed there to harass and intimidate me. Sir, they accomplished there mission. As I have illustrated in the letter below and additional statements made to Internal Affairs, when your deputies are surrounding, treating me like a criminal, stalking me, I am nervous and contentious when proceeding in front of the Judge wondering if your deputies will create something to constitute an arrest.
A “pro se” person or any person litigating or otherwise should not be treated in this manner. Your deputies are egregious and nefarious. My complaints are swept under the rug by your office and your Internal Affairs office. How can entity investigate itself? It is impossible because of the relationships and nepotism. Your officers know nothing will happen to them. Being a mental health professional I understand unaddressed negative behavior repeats itself. If your office does not address this type of targeting and oppression, tyranny will surely reign. Of course your officers will have an excuse, which will be covered up by the Judges because of the complaints I have published and posted about the Judges on my websites. Nevertheless, the public will be concerned about what actions your office takes. Sir, you know what your deputies are capable of and the reports have made are not isolated incidents.
There is no excuse that your Internal Affairs office can use to justify why they have not had a personal interview with me and why they have taken no action. It has been 5 months since I filed my complaint. This is egregious, outrageous and ludicrous. Sir, what is your response?
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
