HR1256 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1256 LRB098 22493 GRL 61414 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On July 16, 2014, Jesse Vega, also known as Jesse Ortiz, escaped from Elgin Mental Health Center custody while being transported to a court hearing concerning criminal charges pending against him; and

WHEREAS, Vega was charged with aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery in a public place, obstructing justice, and aggravated driving under the influence with a suspended or revoked license; and

WHEREAS, Vega remained at large for 8 hours, placing the community in harm's way for an extended period of time; and

WHEREAS, At the time of the escape, Vega was accompanied by 3 security officers; he fled from the vehicle as it was stopped at a gas station in a residential neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, The safety of individuals residing, working, or traveling in our neighborhoods is of paramount concern; the public requires a full understanding of how this escape occurred so officials may take the necessary steps to help prevent any future escape; and

WHEREAS, This escape constitutes a breakdown in either the design or execution of the procedures governing the transportation of prisoners at the Elgin Mental Health Center; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we direct the Office of the Auditor General to conduct an investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding Vega's escape and evaluate whether prisoner transport procedures need to be improved at Elgin Mental Health Center and/or all State facilities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the administration of the Elgin Mental Health Center and all other institutions involved with this inquiry to make available all information to the Office of the Auditor General that may be necessary to their investigation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Office of the Auditor General shall present a report to the Illinois House of Representatives detailing the findings of its investigation and any recommendations for procedural reform, should they result from the investigation, not more than one year after the passage of this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor, the Director of the Department of Human Services, the Director of the Department of Corrections, and the members of the Illinois congressional delegation.