Lake County’s chief public defender has announced her retirement after 37 years in the local court system.
Joy Gossman joined the Public Defender’s Office as an intern in 1987, and began her full-time career there in 1989. She worked in every division of the office, and became head public defender in 2007 after serving 10 years as assistant chief.
Gossman, the first woman to head the Lake County PD’s office, expressed thanks to people who mentored her during her career.
“I could not have imagined spending my entire legal career serving as a public defender,” she said. “However, I knew after my first day in the office as an intern through today that I was doing what I was always meant to do.”
“Over the years, Joy has shown an unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us receive the defense they deserve,” Deputy Chief Judge Patricia Fix said. “Her dedication is a testament to her character and a source of inspiration for all of us.
“Through countless cases, she has demonstrated a deep sense of empathy, a sharp legal mind, and an unyielding dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and equality,” she said.
Public defenders are appointed by the circuit court judges. An interim is expected to be named while the search begins for Gossman’s permanent replacement.
Pilot program
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office will participate in a pilot program aimed at reducing fatalities from domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team will seek to prevent and reduce the instances of domestic abuse. The Lake County team is one of five selected as part of a pilot program across the state under a law passed in 2021. It will work with a statewide committee to create policy recommendations.
First Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Callinan and Pat Davenport, executive director of A Safe Place shelter, will serve as co-chairs of the review team.
“The DVFR will save lives by pressing deeper into the problem of domestic violence that has plagued Illinois for centuries. Innovative and urgent approaches are the way forward to ending domestic violence, and I am so proud that our county was awarded this pilot,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
The Lake County team consists of 30 people from all facets of the court system, as well as representatives of law enforcement, the coroner’s office, along with social workers and substance abuse counselors.
Safe boating
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it planned to participate over the Fourth of July weekend in a national effort to promote safe and responsible boating.
Operation Dry Water is intended to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents. Alcohol use is often a prime factor in boating accidents and fatalities, so marine units were asked to be on the lookout for impaired boat drivers.
“The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of boating sober, wearing a life jacket, and being courteous to others on the water. The risk of serious injury is equal for both operators and passengers when alcohol is involved,” the office said. “Additionally, alcohol consumption by passengers poses a danger regardless of the operator’s alcohol intake. Choose to always boat sober, to ensure everyone’s safety on our nation’s waterways.”
Last year, more than 700 boaters were cited nationally during the Dry Water weekend.
Weapons charges
A Zion man is facing felony weapons charges after police discovered a handgun in his car during a traffic stop.
Darrion Coleman, 18, was arrested June 30 after police stopped his car at around 9:40 p.m. in the 3100 block of Sheridan Road. During a search of the vehicle, police said they found a polymer handgun that did not have a serial number, was loaded and fitted with a laser sight.
Coleman and two passengers were brought into police headquarters. Coleman was charged after police determined that he owned the gun.
