Statement from Mayor Keith Pekau:

Making sure Dangerous Criminals Arrested in Orland Park Are Being Held Accountable:

Last week, the police department issued a press release and I released a statement regarding the arrest, of two dangerous criminals in Orland Park. One was a three-time convicted felon on federal parole for armed robbery and attempted murder.  Both were issued only $5,000 D-Bonds, meaning they would be released by posting only $500.

Upon hearing about these low bond amounts, our police department contacted the Department of Justice and I went on the news and social media to call out these egregious acts by Cook County.  We do this because eventually, people are going to stand with us to keep our families safe and neighborhoods secure. We do this because it leads to real results and that’s what has finally happened here.

The Department of Justice put a hold on Nickolas Burch’s release after our department made them aware of Burch’s arrest while on probation.  After this happened, the case was referred to a new judge, who rescinded the previous bond, and on Friday issued an order stating that Mr. Burch would be held with NO BOND and will remain in custody. 

There is a very good reason why we invest so heavily into investigations and follow-up—for scenarios like this. If we would have been complacent while Kim Foxx allowed another violent criminal onto the streets, another crime would have happened, and it could have ended much worse.

Unfortunately, Kim Foxx’s office has not learned from this mistake.  This is not the first time the Orland Park Police Department has arrested someone that clearly should not have been out on the streets due to past offenses. Criminals are well aware of the catch and release program run by the Cook County Courts and, for a small fee, they can quickly return to the streets.

Because of this, the police department and I will continue to make statements about the Cook County justice system’s disregard for the safety of law-abiding citizens.  It is important that the public is made aware of the lack of action because eventually it will lead to a justice system that puts the public’s safety ahead of criminals. 

It’s impractical to think crime will stop, but here in Orland Park, we are holding criminals accountable for their actions so our community can feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods.