McHenry County Blog

An email from Marengo’s Kristin Ottolino to her Citizens Alert Social Media Network:

To all concerned McHenry County citizens,

There have been two burglaries in Marengo last week. As the weather warms up, I’m sure we can expect them to be more frequent. Just below is the original email to our network from the Chief. Also, the Chief reminds us to secure our houses and businesses and as an added note, he reminds us about the check scam being perpetrated on our citizens. Please read details below.

Stay safe, stay vigilant,
Kristin Ottolino
rio.2001@hotmail.com
(815)568-1190

CC: Chief Joseph Hallman – Marengo Police Department
BCC: All members of: Citizens Alert Social Media Network
If you know of anyone that would like to be added to this list, please have them email me.
At any time, if you would like to be removed from this list, send me an email and I will remove you.

From: jhallman@cityofmarengo.com

Subject: Burglaries

Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:56:36 -0500

The home burglary took place on Sunset Drive in Marengo.

All,

We experienced two burglaries between April 18th and April 21st. The information is as follows:

Between April 18th – 21st Residence in the 600 block of Sunset Drive.

Entry was gained through an unlocked sliding glass door.

Various items were removed that were small and transportable.

April 20th during the early morning hours, person(s) entered the Tanika Food Mart (219 West Grant Highway) and removed liquor.

Intruders were gone upon police arrival.

Please remember to secure your house and business.

Also, we have seen an uptick in scams related to “checks” being mailed to individuals’ residences.

If you are not expecting some type of check, it is most likely a scam where the con artists want you to deposit the “check” into your account and send them some money (lesser amount) of cash (via wire).

The “checks” are not worth the paper they are printed upon.

It is difficult for law enforcement to make arrests on these types of scams since they usually originate in a different country.

If it sounds too good to be true…

Joseph M. Hallman
Marengo Chief of Police

Kristin Ottolino of the Citizens Alert Social Media Network shares the following warning from the Marengo Police:

To All Concerned McHenry County Citizens,

The Marengo Chief of Police sent me this email this morning regarding a phone scam that recently targeted an elderly Marengo citizen. The email is, as always, attached just below.

Please do not fall prey to this type of scam. Remember …if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Stay safe, stay vigilant,
Kristin Ottolino

The Marengo Police Department recently took a report for an attempted fraudulent practice scam targeting an elderly Marengo resident.

This scam started with an unknown male subject calling the senior stating they had won several thousand dollars.

However, the resident first needed to obtain a “Green Dot” financial product for $250 as part of the transaction fee to obtain the winnings.

The subject stated they would be sending someone over, including the local police, to pick up the Green Dot product and drop off the prize money.

The Marengo Police Department was notified of the potential scam and investigated the incident.

The phone number originated from a Jamaican based company offering internet and VOIP services.

When police spoke with the caller, the individual stated they were with the Better Business Bureau.

Further discussion indicated the male caller had a foreign accent and was not familiar with the local geography even after stating he was located in Marengo.

This incident was an obvious scam targeting the elderly population.

Residents should be aware of these types of scams and should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency for follow up

The 500 block of Park in Marengo.

From Kristin Ottolino of the Citizens Alert Social Media Network:

“March 4th around 2:30 a.m. a female report that she was cleaning out her relative’s residence (500 block of Park Drive), which is in foreclosure when she witnessed a male park a “Penske” box truck in front of their residence and begin to approach the house.

“The driver made a phone call and then abruptly left in the truck.

“The reporting female was concerned that the house was being targeted for theft (possibly copper).

“The truck description is as follows: Penske box truck. Yellow in color bearing an Illinois registration of 1298888 – H.

“There is an ongoing investigation into this matter and anyone with information is encouraged to report similar circumstances to the Marengo Police Department.”

Joseph M. Hallman
Marengo Chief of Police

Marengo’s Citizen Alert Social Media leader Kristin Ottolino sends the following:

I received this (message below) from the Marengo Chief of Police today and told him I would forward this information to you. Again, please keep all valuables locked in the glove compartment of your car, or bring them in the house with you to avoid this from happening to you.

Stay safe, stay vigilant,

Kristin Ottolino

And from Marengo’s Police Chief comes the following:

Although this incident did not occur in your respective neighborhoods, please be aware of the following:

A vehicle window was smashed and a GPS unit was taken from the car sometime between Friday evening (25th) and Sunday morning (27th). The vehicle was parked in the City Lot near Route 23.

Please remember to remove any such items from your vehicles when parking them in order to remove the incentive from a would-be thief.

Joseph M. Hallman
Marengo Chief of Police

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If you would like to be included on the list email rio.2001@hotmail.com.

A message from Marengo’s Cristin Ottolino for her Citizens Alert Social Media Network:

To All Concerned McHenry County Citizens,

This morning I received a request from a member of our Citizen’s Alert network for information regarding the battery of an elderly man in Marengo. I inquired with the chief of Marengo as to what it what information he might be able to share regarding this incident. Chief Hallman graciously wrote back to our network with the following:

All,

Although not necessarily related to your particular neighborhood watch program, I am providing this information in an effort to provide some answers. I must remind everyone that this is an ongoing, active investigation and more information will be provided as it is developed.

Joseph M. Hallman, Chief of Police, Marengo
142 East Prairie Street, Marengo, IL 60152
Ofc: 815-568-7231 Fax: 815-568-5545
hallman@cityofmarengo.com

MARENGO POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE

On January 1st, 2013 at approximately 7:00 p.m. the Marengo Police Department responded to a possible battery which had recently occurred.

The alleged incident was precipitated by loud music emanating from a parked vehicle in the 100 Block of North Ford Street in Marengo.

North Front Street in Marengo.

The victim (67 year old white male) went to have the music turned down when the alleged incident took place.

The victim returned to his residence whereby MPD was summoned as well as the Marengo Rescue / Fire Department.

The victim was assessed, treated and transported to Centgra Hospital in Woodstock for further treatment.

During the subsequent investigation into the original call for service, a person of interest was developed and interviewed related to the vehicle in question.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this matter is encouraged to contact the Marengo Police Department at 815-568-7231 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-762-7867.

Marengo Police Car in the Settlers Days Parade.

Forwarded by Marengo crime watcher Kristin Ottolino from Marengo Police Chief Joseph M. Hallman:

Just a recap of October reports to pass along for your groups. I’ll continue to send this monthly, unless of course there is something that needs immediate attention.

October 2nd – Fraud / Scam: This one has been around and we spoke of it at the meeting on the 23rd. Caller (international) claims to know that victim’s relative is at their consulate (relative) who is serving in the armed forces over seas. They (suspects) are looking for money to be wired to them so they can help relative at the consulate. Unfortunately in this case money was wired and of course no one was at their consulate.

October 18th – Burglary From Motor Vehicle: Unlocked truck in the 900 block of Kishwaukee Street was compromised. Taken were sunglasses, GPS unit and some prescription pills. Between 10/18 12 (10 p.m.) and 10/19/12 (6 a.m.)

October 20th – Burglary From Motor Vehicle: Unlocked van in the 600 block of 7th Avenue had wallet removed. Subsequent purchase made on Visa from wallet the next day. Between 10/20/12 (1 p.m.) and 10/23/12 (10 a.m.) when reported to MPD.

October 20th – Burglary From Motor Vehicle: Unlocked vehicle in parking lot of Dollar General had handicapped placard removed. Between (8 a.m.) and (2 p.m.)

October 22nd – Criminal Damage to Property / Possible Attempted Burglary to Residence: 400 block of North East Street had two basement access windows broken, but no entry was made into the residence. Between 10/21/12 (10 p.m.) and 10/22/12 (4 p.m.)

October 30th – Theft: Some person(s) removed the old air conditioning unit from the Marengo Public Library. This unit was no longer in service and about to be replaced, so presumably it was taken for scrap.

Of course we had some minor acts of mischief during Halloween, but nothing too drastic. Please be mindful out there and pass this information along to your respective groups.

Marengo’s Kristin Ottolino shares the following advice about how to keep your home safe:

To All Concerned McHenry County Citizens,

The Chief of Police of Marengo and I have discussed the current status of the recent burglaries. The Chief is seeing a consistent pattern he wants to share with all of us. I left the conversation attached below for you to read, but the important fact for you to know is that while “funerals or wakes” are being held, burglars are breaking into the homes of grieving families.

There have been five of these types of burglaries in the recent past and they can be prevented.

If you must attend a funeral, especially if the date/location has been published in the newspaper, PLEASE DO NOT leave your house unattended!

We realize, in situations such as this, everyone wants to be at the funeral home with you.

If you do not have someone to stay at your home, then PLEASE have family members go back and forth to the house in shifts.

Do not leave your home unattended even for a short time. Have one family member stay at your house for two hours, then send the next person.

Have the first person wait for the second person before they leave… and so on.

I realize funerals are a difficult time for families, but please… burglars are taking advantage of these unattended homes.

Don’t allow yourself to become the next victim of these despicable criminals.

Stay Safe ~ Stay Vigilant,

Kristin Ottolino

She wrote the above message after getting the following email from Marengo Police Chief Hallman:

Ms. Ottolino,

Although we (in the city) have not had any burglaries, I must point out that there have been five (5) reported in McHenry County which have occurred either during a funeral or wake when the family is not home attending said services. Two occurred in the Richmond area (08 /15 and 09/10), one in Harvard (08/22) and one near Marengo (09/04) with another near Union (08/09). I’m not certain if the houses were forced entry. You may have seen the NW Herald press release concerning this activity.

I know the MCSP is following up on various leads, but this adds another element to the burglary issue. I have cautioned families in town to have someone watch their residence during these services. Typically the last thing you are thinking about during a time like this is your house getting “tossed”, but criminals are very unsympathetic.

The only description(s) that may be linked with this activity was a smaller, dark bluish sedan with two occupants (younger male & female -20’s) in the area of one of these incidents.

Stay safe.

Chief Hallman

800 block of Dietz Street, Marengo, Illinois

A press release from the Marengo Police Department:

On Friday, August 17th at approximately 4:11a.m., the Marengo Police were investigating a disturbance in the 800 block of Dietz Street.

The original call for service came in as a possible home invasion in progress with possible shots being fired.

Other calls were received regarding the noise from the weapon discharge.

During the police officers’ response subject(s) who were trying to gain entry to a house left the area in a vehicle which was fired upon by the resident, Mr. Benjamin Secor.

No one was injured by the shooting.

Subsequently the offender(s) left the scene and were intercepted by the McHenry County Sheriffs Police in the area of Wonder Lake, Illinois and taken into custody pending charges from Marengo.

Currently Mr. Donald P. Crotty Jr. (m/w dob 04/06/1990) of 1107 Pontiac Avenue, McHenry, Illinois is being charged with one count of Attempted Criminal Trespass to Residence and one count of Reckless Conduct.

Mr. Crotty was able to post the required bond amount for these charges and was released pending a court date of September 6th, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the McHenry County Court House.

A second suspect, Mr. Robert Benard (dob / address unknown) accompanying Mr. Crotty has not been charged at this point.

The investigation continues into this matter and more details and possible additional charges will be forthcoming as they develop.

A press release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department:

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has an important message for the community!

CRIMESTOPPERS BULLETIN
June 1, 2012

Sheriff Keith Nygren is asking residents to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and people, after three daytime residential burglaries involving jewelry, flat-screen televisions, and firearms have been reported.

Three daytime residential burglaries were reported in unincorporated Marengo on May 29, 2012. All of the burglaries involved forced entry to single family homes, while residents were away. In the past, burglars have used the ruse of asking for directions if a homeowner answered the door.

Sheriff Keith Nygren encourages anyone with information regarding these investigations to contact either the McHenry County Crimestoppers at 1-800-762-Stop (7867), The McHenry County Sheriff’s Police Tip Line at (815) 338-2144, or the tip line email address; TipLine@co.mchenry.il.us. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offender(s). Crimestoppers does not use caller ID.

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Interestingly, Marengo’s Kristin Ottolino put out this alert two days ago.

To All Concerned McHenry County Citizens,

Sorry to report more burglaries in Marengo. I received this from Chief Hallman of Marengo this morning. He asked me to pass this to you.

Darn it… I wish people would lock their garages and cars. Please remind your friends and family. Thank you.

Stay safe, Stay vigilant!

She also sent this 8:30 AM Wednesday email from the Marengo Police:

Ms. Ottolino,

Bauman Court in Marengo

Please forward this e-mail to your group:

Two burglaries on Bauman Court during the night / early morning hours of May 27th – 28th. One was a vehicle and one was a garage and the vehicle in the garage. The garage and the vehicles were unlocked.

Items taken included electronics, tools, change. No serial numbers were recorded by the owners which gives MPD little to follow up with. Please remind the group to take the time to document serial numbers of any / all items of value, engrave owner identification descriptors on items and list these items with insurance agents. The follow up for MPD (e.g.) running them through various data bases to see if they were pawned is invaluable when we have specific description including serial numbers.

Joseph M. Hallman
Chief of Police
Marengo Police Department

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If you would like to be on her email list, let her know here: rio.2001@hotmail.com.

A press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office:

CHILD PORNOGRAPHER MICHAEL HARTMAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that thirty-four year old Michael Hartman of Marengo, was sentenced today to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the class 3 felony offense of Unlawful Possession of Child Pornography following a sentencing hearing.

The Marengo Police Department found the child pornography on the defendant’s computer which was located in the defendant’s residence.

This was the defendant’s third arrest for the offense of Child Pornography. The two prior offenses occurred in Kane County in 2004 and the defendant was previously sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections for the second of those offenses.

This case was investigated by Det. Brian Christian of the Marengo Police Department.

This case was prosecuted for the State by Assistant State’s Attorney Ryan Blackney.