Jakes declares second victory in federal probe

Jakes declares second victory in federal probe

The Rev. Paul L. Jakes Jr. Thursday declared a second victory upon learning that the U.S. Dept. of Justice has asked the FBI to investigate the alleged assault of 11-year-old Timia Williams by Chicago policemen.

Jakes received a letter from Acting Assistant Attorney General William R. Yeomans from the Civil Rights Division confirming that his request has been accepted and that it will be reviewed by the FBI.

"Different from months back, we have finally heard a response from the U.S. Justice Dept., and I am pleased that they are putting more of a face in the Black and brown communities to investigate Klan-like attacks upon our people," Jakes said.

"We plan an action (protest) at State's Attorney Dick Devine's office in the future to raise one question: When are you going to start prosecuting dishonest and brutal police officers?"

"Since 1996, Devine has prosecuted one police officer since he was elected to office, and that is not good enough."

"Even though the Justice Dept.'s announcement is a positive move, we still haven't heard the response from the Office of Professional Standards as to whether the officers involved in the attack of little Timia will be disciplined or not," Jakes told the Chicago Defender.

"We still are waiting for a response from OPS, Police Supt. Hillard and State's Attorney Dick Devine," he stated.

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.