Share

Illinois mayor 'blindsided' by reputed gang member's arrival

Share

AURORA, Ill. (AP) — The mayor of the Illinois city of Aurora said he was “blindsided” when a convicted murderer and reputed member of the “Ripper Crew” registered as sex offender to live at a facility in the Chicago suburb.

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said he hopes Wayside Cross Ministries reconsiders its decision to house Thomas Kokoraleis, 58, who was released from prison last week . Irvin said he’s concerned about community safety.

“Their decision suggests that they do not fully appreciate the impact Kokoraleis’ mere presence will have on the community,” Irvin wrote in a statement issued Monday. He said having Kokoraleis live at the facility “is a risk the people of Aurora shouldn’t have to take.”

The ministry’s executive director, James Lukose, said in a statement posted on its website that it “did not seek out Thomas Kokoraleis upon his release from prison. He came to us seeking our help.”

Lukose said the ministry hopes Kokoraleis becomes a productive member of society.

Trending:
Prince Harry Named in Major Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Rapper

Kokoraleis was among four men accused of being part of the “Ripper Crew” satanic cult that killed as many as 20 Chicago-area women in the 1980s. He was initially sentenced to life in prison for the 1982 slaying of 21-year-old Lorraine “Lorry” Ann Borowski. Prosecutors allowed him to plead guilty on appeal in a deal that infuriated victims’ relatives but allowed for his release last week.

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
Share
The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter
The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.
Location
New York City




Conversation