18-Year-Old Facing New Charge After Allegedly Bringing Loaded Firearm into Cook County Jail
CHICAGO — Kemari Johnson, an 18-year-old man who was set to leave the Cook County jail on Wednesday, now finds himself facing a fresh charge of possessing a loaded firearm inside the jail.
Johnson’s troubles began on November 11 when he was arrested for assaulting a Chicago police officer during a domestic altercation. Despite being granted release on electronic monitoring by a judge the following day, Johnson remained in jail for a week due to difficulties in finding suitable housing for monitoring.
After Judge Lindsay Huge removed the electronic monitoring requirement on Tuesday, Johnson was given a nighttime curfew and was set to leave jail. However, things took a drastic turn in the early hours of Wednesday.
While a probation officer was preparing to fit Johnson with an ankle monitor, Johnson surprised everyone by admitting to possessing a firearm. He handed over an ammunition magazine and a Taurus 140 handgun with live bullets, which he had concealed in his clothing. The probation officer secured the weapon and alerted jail staff, leading to Johnson’s detainment and subsequent search.
During a court hearing on Friday, Judge Shauna Boliker ordered Johnson to remain in custody. He now faces charges of possessing a firearm inside a penal institution.
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