Chief Judge Villa spoke on the increased Failure to Appear (FTA) warrants
throughout the state. He explained that when the public sees an increase in jail
population, they assume the crime rate is up in the County. However, this is not
true. Jail population has increased due to a large portion under the SAFE-T Act
that do not come to court, which causes a FTA warrant to be issued for their
arrest. Villa stated that this is a significant problem across Illinois. Villa stated
that if conversations on the increased jail population is to be had, he would like
the general public to understand that it is not an increase in crimes. Chairman
Molina asked for a further explanation and a possible video be filed on FTA
warrants rules and regulations to help the public understand the SAFE-T Act.
Villa explained that the Chief Judge's Office has met with a marketing company
that recently handled a recent successful political campaign. He stated that this
company will be producing up to 15, one-minute, videos for the County on
various legal topics, such as jury summons, speeding tickets, affidavits, et
cetera. Villa addressed questions and comments from the Committee.
Discussion ensued.
11.
Coroner (M. Silva)
Monthly Report
A.
(Madam Chairman Pierog arrived in-person at 9:18 a.m.)
Coroner Silva stated the monthly report was on file. She explained that there
were 272 total deaths in June 2025, in which eight required autopsies. She
stated that there were numerous overdoses and motor vehicle deaths and one
murder case in Aurora. She spoke on dangerous intersections. She asked the
Committee members to let her know of any dangerous intersections in their
districts. Silva shared the Deputy Caseload as of June 2025. She explained that
there are large amounts of cases per Deputy Coroner. She noted that there is
one Deputy that is off duty due to a Workman Compensation claim and a
possible new hire due to transfer of positions. Silva spoke on the challenges
faced at the Coroner's Office, such as staffing. The Coroner's Officer needs to
be staffed 24/7, 365 days a year. Silva explained that the Coroner's Office has
been trending high on overtime hours. She invited all Committee members to
come for a tour and possible call-out in order to witness the work of her office.
Another challenge that is faced is toxicology reports and autopsies. Silva spoke
on the cost savings of performing toxicologies without autopsies. She stated that
currently the office is trending high with expenses for toxicologies and autopsies,
which is normal. She explained that she is looking into ways to manage it, along
with alternative ways to continue to save. Silva stated that the Coroner's Office
has four people that volunteer and/or intern to assist with clerical work. Lastly,
the Coroner's Office continues to be present in the community, with the
distribution of Narcan and simply letting the public know what services the office
provides to maintain safety. Silva explained that the distribution of Narcan is
nearly free due to it being supplied to the Coroner's Office by the Kane County
Health Department (KCHD) through grant money. She noted that the grant
funding has been spent and they will continue to look into ways to provide this
medication. Silva stated that it is important to continue to be present in the
community. She thanked those Board Members who visited. Silva addressed
