Illinois Quick Hits: CBP officer convicted of sexual assaults, robberies

(The Center Square) – A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer on civil rights charges for sexually assaulting and robbing multiple women in Schaumburg and Naperville in 2022.

Prosecutors said Luis Uribe, 45, of Pingree Grove acted under color of law and brandished a firearm in at least one of the assaults. Sentencing is set for January 21, 2027.

11 CHARGED IN ALLEGED AUTO THEFT CONSPIRACY

Eleven southern Illinois residents are charged for their alleged involvement in a criminal enterprise to sell vehicles and motorcycles stolen from a warehouse in downtown St. Louis.

According to the indictment, the conspirators made multiple trips to the warehouse from December 2025 through April 2026, then transported the stolen vehicles and motorcycles back to southern Illinois to conceal and sell.

The individuals charged are Ashley J. Fulmer, 29, of Godfrey, Jason A. Bristow, 46, of Alton, Trevonte L. Caldwell, 30, of Brighton, Jeremy D. Churchman, 46, of Brighton, Brenda L. Donithan, 28, of Alton, Ethan C. Humbert, 50, of Bunker Hill, Douglas F. Manns, 48, of Alton, Wesley P. Martin, 28, of Wood River, Christopher M. Palmer, 48, Robert L. Tidwell, 59, of Brighton, and Michael A. Wittman, 51, of Alton.

STATE ATTEMPTS TO ATTRACT INTEREST IN CLOSED TYSON PLANT

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that the state is making Invest in Illinois Fund resources available in an effort to help attract potential buyers for the former Tyson Foods beef facility in Joslin.

Arkansas-based Tyson Foods announced plans last month to end operations at the facility, impacting about 2,500 workers.

CHICAGO MAYOR, CONGRESSIONAL DEMS TO APPEAR AT CAIR GALA

Several Chicago-area elected officials are scheduled to appear at CAIR-Chicago’s annual banquet in Oakbrook Terrace on Sunday. Featured guests include Illinois Congresswomen Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago, and Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, D-Chicago, state Sen. Graciela Guzmán, D-Chicago, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations booted a reporter from The Center Square when he tried covering the group’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C.

CHAIN O’ LAKES BOAT LAUNCH REOPENS AFTER $3 MILLION PROJECT

The Maple Grove boat launch at Chain o' Lakes State Park in McHenry County has reopened to the public following a $3 million improvement project that incorporates accessibility upgrades and other amenities, including a new fishing pier and kayak launch.

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.