Illinois

Three accused Jan. 6 Capitol rioters from Illinois expected to plead guilty

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2024

Three accused Jan. 6 Capitol rioters from Illinois expected to plead guilty

CHICAGO (WLS) — Three accused Jan. 6 Capitol rioters from Illinois are planning to plead guilty to their crimes, the ABC 7 I-Team has learned.

Kelly Lynn Fontaine, 54, and Brian Dula, 53, of Lockport were charged with crimes related to Jan. 6 earlier this year and are expected to plead guilty on Monday, June 10 in D.C. District Court.

Also intending to plead guilty is Robin Reierson, 69, of Schiller Park, who was charged with Jan. 6 Capitol riot crimes and is expected to change his plea at a court hearing scheduled for July 1, according to newly filed court records.

In the 41-months since rioters took over on Capitol Hill, more than half of those charged with crimes have pleaded guilty.

Fontaine and Dula

To a chorus of “USA” chanted on Jan. 6, 2021, as rioters can be seen in a video shared on social media chopping away at a Senate door, federal agents say Fontaine snapped a thumbs-up selfie near the breached entryway and entered the Capitol.

Capitol security surveillance also showed Fontaine and Dula inside the building, according to court records.

Federal authorities say Dula and Fontaine traveled to Washington D.C., and crashed the Capitol together on Jan. 6.

Reierson

In a separate Jan. 6 prosecution, federal agents said Robin Reierson, a Schiller Park resident, was captured on officer body-worn camera footage wearing a helmet and pushing officers during the Capitol riot, according to investigators.

As the I-Team previously reported, at the time of Reierson’s arrest he worked as a welder at the Argonne National Laboratory, a top security facility southwest of Chicago.

A spokesperson for Argonne previously told the I-Team Reierson is no longer employed there.

The I-Team reached out to attorneys representing Fontaine, Dula and Reierson but have not heard back.

The three Illinois defendants are among dozens charged across the state and more than 1,400 people accused across the country.

Court records show at least 800 defendants have pleaded guilty or will be in the coming weeks, and the number of Jan. 6 defendants who have been imprisoned is approaching 500.

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Illinois

Woman found dead near Schamburg, Illinois shopping center, man in custody

Published

6 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Woman found dead near Schamburg, Illinois shopping center, man in custody

December 16, 2025 / 10:36 AM CST
/ CBS Chicago

A woman was found dead near a shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois early Tuesday, and a man was taken into police custody.

Around 5:25 a.m., Schaumburg police were called to the 100 block of South Roselle Road. They found a woman dead at the scene.

Police said a man was taken into custody at the scene.

The investigation so far indicates that the incident was domestic, and the man and woman knew each other.

Police said the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the public. But there was a large police presence at the scene, and alternate routes were advised.

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Illinois

Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide

Published

18 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide

PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.

Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.

Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.

Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.

After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.

When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities did not identify the driver.

ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.

Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.

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Illinois

Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”

Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.

The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.

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