Statement from State's Attorney Kim Foxx

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx released the following statement about the SAO’s motion today to vacate convictions for 15 defendants:

“I ran for this office committed to rebuilding public trust in our justice system. When our review of these cases revealed police misconduct that called their validity into question, we acted on our obligation as seekers of justice and moved to vacate those convictions.

“As prosecutors and law enforcement, we strive every day to do our work to a high standard. But rebuilding the community’s trust in our justice system requires that when we do find an injustice, we work diligently and promptly to correct it. 

“Earlier this year, I brought on Mark Rotert as a new director for the SAO’s Conviction Integrity Unit. Under his leadership, the CIU has and will continue to examine claims of actual innocence. We have seen a 500% increase in such claims, and we will evaluate each one we receive with the same attention to facts and commitment to justice that was demonstrated today.”

More information about the CIU can be found on the State’s Attorney’s Office website here.

The State’s Attorney’s Office works to uphold public safety through the fair and efficient administration of justice.  Follow @SAKimFoxx and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.