Illinois Quick Hits: Officer Charged in Straw Gun Case, CWD Testing, and Military Police Reciprocity
This week in Illinois, a Chicago police officer is facing charges related to straw gun purchases, hunters are reminded about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing locations, and the Herrin Police Department is recognized for its participation in the Military Police Reciprocity Program.
Chicago Officer Charged in Straw Gun Purchase Scheme
Kevin Rodriguez, a 27-year-old Chicago police officer, has been charged with making illegal gun purchases. Federal prosecutors allege that Rodriguez used his position to buy semi-automatic firearms in Indiana and Illinois on behalf of another individual. He then allegedly provided these firearms to Diego Valdez, who is charged with conspiracy and knowingly receiving a straw-purchased firearm.
Deer Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Testing
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters about available locations for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing in deer. This free service allows for hunter-harvested deer to be tracked so that wildlife biologists can monitor the distribution of CWD throughout the state. More information is available on the Hunt Illinois app.
Herrin Police Department Recognized for Military Police Reciprocity Program
The Herrin Police Department is being recognized as the first recipient of the Military Police Reciprocity Program. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board announced the swearing-in of officer Kevin Bailey as the first hire in the state certified by this new program, which was enacted earlier this year. Illinois joined 18 other states in May, enabling Military Police veterans to meet law enforcement training requirements.
