Illinois quick hits: Man convicted of drug money laundering; human trafficking arrests made
Man convicted of drug money laundering
A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of laundering cash proceeds from a Mexico-based drug-trafficking organization.
Prosecutors say David Berger, 41, of Chicago and other intermediaries booked and paid for privately-chartered jets for the organization to transport millions of dollars in drug proceeds into Mexico, after the organization transported wholesale quantities of cocaine from Mexico to sell in the U.S.
Berger’s sentencing is set for May 12, 2026.
Human trafficking arrests made
The Illinois State Police trafficking enforcement group has announced the arrest of two Decatur men and one Chicago man in separate cases of alleged human trafficking.
ISP arrested Bryan M. Slater, 36, and Jacob D. Miller, 31, both of Decatur, in Sangamon County for the alleged abuse, sexual assault and forced prostitution of a woman.
John O’Leary, 41, of Chicago was arrested in Knox County for promoting sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation, traveling to meet a minor, possession of methamphetamine and grooming.
New troopers assigned
Illinois State Police have assigned 21 new troopers to locations around the state.
A graduation ceremony was held Friday for a lateral-entry academy class in which officers with least two years of full-time experience completed an eleven-week ISP program.
The program included training in cultural diversity, procedural justice, de-escalation tactics and more.
New troopers earn approximately $90,000 in compensation upon graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy.
Latest News Stories
Report: average American to receive $3,752 tax cut in 2026 due to OBBBA
Republican, Dem work to prevent deportation of entrepreneur
Nevada superintendent says ICE won’t enter schools
MAHA-style bill would close food additive safety loophole
Legislators criticize Illinois’ utility policies as ‘unsustainable’
D.C. attorney general sues Trump administration, claiming ‘unlawful’ takeover
What’s on the table for Trump’s meeting with Putin?
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 15th, 2025
Federal government to drop 300,000 workers this year