A Cook County judge, who previously released Alphanso Talley, a repeat violent offender, on electronic monitoring before he was charged with the murder of a Chicago police officer, is now facing accusations of contempt against two courtroom deputies. This incident occurred after the deputies did not immediately remove handcuffs from another inmate charged with murder.
Judge John Lyke’s courtroom is becoming notorious for its controversial decisions, where deputies are detained, yet violent offenders are released.
On Wednesday, deputies escorting an inmate into Lyke’s courtroom at the Leighton Criminal Court Building were ordered to remove his handcuffs. According to Teamsters Local 700, which represents the deputies, the inmate was classified as “high risk movement,” requiring supervisor approval for restraint removal, as per Sheriff’s Office policy.
When the deputies attempted to contact their supervisor, Lyke held Samuel Estrada Perez and Jarrett Kelley in contempt, as reported by the union. The deputies were detained, stripped of their badges and protective gear, and were required to apologize to the court under threat of up to 90 days in jail. They were released after issuing an apology.
The union is urging Chief Judge Charles Beach to reprimand Lyke and confirm that Sheriff’s Office policy should dictate inmate movements in courtrooms. They also seek protection for employees from Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Teamsters Local 700 is considering requesting an investigation by the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board into Lyke’s actions.
“Court Service Deputies are tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the courtroom, adhering to the policies set by the Sheriff’s Office. Punishing deputies for fulfilling their duties is an egregious misuse of judicial power. The Chief Judge’s Office should reprimand Judge Lyke, who owes these deputies an apology,” stated union President Ramon Williams.
Judge Lyke faced public backlash in April after Talley, whom he had released on electronic monitoring despite prosecutors’ objections, was charged with the shooting of two Chicago police officers. Officer John Bartholomew was killed, and his partner was critically injured in the April 25 incident at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital, where the officers had taken Talley for a CT scan.
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