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The following is a joint release issued by the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Robert Marshall announced Wednesday that a male Naperville Central High School student has been charged with a hate crime for allegedly placing a racist ad on Craig’s List offering for sale an African American student at the same high school. The juvenile appeared in Juvenile Court this morning in front of Judge Anthony Coco.
It is alleged that on November 14, 2019, the juvenile took a photograph of the victim while at school. It is alleged that the juvenile then posted an ad on Craig’s List with the photograph of the victim accompanied with the caption “Slave for sale (Naperville)” followed by an offensive racial slur. An investigation into the matter conducted by the Naperville Police Department began on Monday, November 18, when they became aware of the incident. Their investigation ultimately led to the juvenile as the person who allegedly posted the ad.
“The allegations against the juvenile in this case are beyond disturbing,” Berlin said. “Hate crimes have no place in our society and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Anyone, regardless of age, accused of such disgraceful actions will be charged accordingly. I would like to thank the Naperville Police Department for their work on this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Lee Roupas for his efforts on this case.”
“This was a despicable and extremely offensive post that is not at all reflective of the caring, welcoming community that our department serves and protects every day,” Marshall said. “Every single person deserves the right to feel safe and welcome in our community, and this department will continue to strive to make that a reality by thoroughly investigating any allegations of hate crimes and bringing those found responsible to justice. I would like to express my appreciation to our school resource officer and supervisor who conducted a timely, thorough, detailed investigation.”
The juvenile has been charged with two counts of Hate Crime (one Class 3 Felony and one Class 4 Felony) and one count of Disorderly Conduct (Class C Misdemeanor). His next court appearance is scheduled for December 18, 2019.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the juvenile’s guilt. The juvenile is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
