Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Announces New Leadership for the Special Prosecution Bureau
CHICAGO - Today, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) announced the appointment of Patrick Waller as the new Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau (SPB) and Tene McCoy Cummings as its Deputy Chief. Under Waller and Cummings, the SPB will continue its mission to disrupt sophisticated criminal enterprises, such as street gangs, public corruption, and white-collar crimes, through its robust investigative prowess and dedication to justice.
Patrick Waller has honorably served with the State’s Attorney’s Office for 18 years. Prior to his promotion, he held the esteemed position of Deputy Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau, overseeing complex prosecutions that resonated deeply within our community. Waller’s profound experience extends to his tenure supervising the forensic science unit, which supported Assistant State’s Attorneys across the office with intricate forensic challenges. Notably, Waller was an instrumental part of the prosecution teams that brought justice to the victims of the Gage Park homicides and the heart-wrenching murder of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee. Waller steps into the role previously held by the esteemed Chief Charise Valente, who has retired after a commendable 30-year career with the office.
Waller, reflecting on his appointment, said, “I am deeply humbled by this responsibility. My commitment is to uphold the integrity and rigor of the SPB, ensuring that every case is prosecuted with diligence and fairness. Together, we will continue to protect our community from the scourges of crime and corruption.”
Tene McCoy Cummings brings to the Deputy Chief role an extraordinary 21-year tenure as a prosecutor, demonstrating a deep commitment to victims of crime. Cummings’ resume reflects her dedication and expertise across numerous divisions, from Appeals to Felony Trials. Since November 2019, she has led the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Division (SADV) with a hands-on approach, emphasizing advocacy, investigation, and effective prosecution to address the unique needs of survivors. Mrs. Cummings, an alumnus of Howard University, possesses a Juris Doctorate and has been a licensed attorney for over 25 years.
Tene McCoy Cummings shared, “Serving the community as a prosecutor has always been my calling. As the Deputy Chief, I am devoted to providing a stronger voice for survivors and ensuring that our SPB remains at the forefront of justice. With unity and purpose, we will make great strides for Cook County.”
In addition to these appointments, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office also announced that the SADV Division will now be incorporated within the Special Prosecutions Bureau. This strategic alignment ensures that these highly sensitive cases receive amplified attention and care, reflecting its unyielding commitment to survivors and their families.
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx remarked, “I deeply thank Charise Valente for her unwavering dedication and decades of service to our community. She leaves behind an indelible legacy.” Turning to the new leadership, Foxx continued, “Both Pat and Tene exemplify the core values of our office. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for justice make them the ideal candidates to steer the Special Prosecutions Bureau into the future. I have the utmost confidence in their capabilities and am certain they will continue our mission of ensuring justice for all.”
Both appointments are effective immediately.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is the nation’s second-largest prosecutor’s office and is led by Cook County’s first Black woman State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx. Foxx brings her vision to this office to fairly administer justice in the pursuit of thriving, healthy, and safe communities for every person who steps foot in Cook County, no matter their race, income, or zip code. Foxx has been recognized as one of the most progressive prosecutors through her forward-thinking, innovative strategies to intercept the cycles of violence and crime and bringing change to a criminal justice system rooted in systemic racism. Follow @SAKimFoxx on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook.