Freeport, IL – A Chicago man is facing felony charges today after Illinois State Police (ISP) investigators say he allegedly made threats against an Illinois State Senator earlier this fall.
According to Illinois State Police, 59-year-old Joseph Haggerty of Chicago allegedly made threatening communications to Senator Andrew Chesney beginning September 2, 2025. Officials said Chesney notified ISP that day, prompting an “extensive” investigation by special agents assigned to the Division of Criminal Investigation.
On November 24, the Stephenson County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two counts of Threatening a Public Official (Class 4 Felony), police said. An arrest warrant was issued shortly afterward.
According to ISP, Haggerty turned himself in to special agents in Cook County on November 25. He was then transported to Stephenson County, where he remains in custody as of Tuesday. No further details about the nature of the alleged threats have been released.
State Police noted that when public officials alert authorities to potential threats—whether made by phone, email, in-person, or through online postings—investigators assess each communication through the agency’s Inappropriate Contact and Communication protocol. That process includes determining whether a criminal threshold is met and conducting a security assessment.
ISP added that its investigation confirmed threats made by the suspect before charges were approved.
Authorities say no additional information is available at this time as the case remains active in Stephenson County.
The charge(s) are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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