South Cook News

The Orland Park Police arrested a man after they said they found approximately 7.6 pounds of cannabis and 29 catalytic converters in his car on Thursday afternoon near 288 Orland Square Drive in Orland Park.

“I am grateful to the police for their work and to Judge Kennedy for setting a high bond,” Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wrote on Facebook. “But we all know, come January 2023, he will be right back out, thanks to (Cook County State’s Attorney) Kim Foxx. The law-abiding people and businesses of Cook County are tired of known felons being loose on the streets.”

The Chicago Tribune reported Foxx dismissed all charges against 30% of felony defendants during her first three years in office.

Orland Park police officers apprehended Donzel Jenkins, 30, after noticing a handgun with an extended magazine in the man's vehicle, according to a press release. Jenkins attempted to flee from the officers, but they took him into custody after a brief pursuit on foot.  Officers searched the vehicle and found 29 catalytic converters, two saws, a drill, approximately seven pounds of cannabis, and approximately $10,000.

The officers discovered that Jenkins, who is a convicted felon, had an active parole status. He has been charged with multiple felonies, including armed violence, possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, and possession of stolen motor vehicle parts.

Suburban Chicagoland reported Jenkins is being held on $250,000 bond.

Foxx defended her record.

“Recognizing the history that we’ve had around wrongful convictions, recognizing our ethical obligations as prosecutors ... requires us to reinforce that people can, if they believe a case is flawed, bring it to our attention, and we will dismiss it if it's appropriate,” Foxx told the Tribune, according to the Chicago City Wire.

Pekau won the Republican nomination for Illinois' 6th Congressional House seat in June, and will face off against incumbent Democratic Rep. Sean Casten in the November general election.