Illinois quick hits: Man convicted of drug money laundering; human trafficking arrests made

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Man convicted of drug money laundering

A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of laundering cash proceeds from a Mexico-based drug-trafficking organization.

Prosecutors say David Berger, 41, of Chicago and other intermediaries booked and paid for privately-chartered jets for the organization to transport millions of dollars in drug proceeds into Mexico, after the organization transported wholesale quantities of cocaine from Mexico to sell in the U.S.

Berger’s sentencing is set for May 12, 2026.

Human trafficking arrests made

The Illinois State Police trafficking enforcement group has announced the arrest of two Decatur men and one Chicago man in separate cases of alleged human trafficking.

ISP arrested Bryan M. Slater, 36, and Jacob D. Miller, 31, both of Decatur, in Sangamon County for the alleged abuse, sexual assault and forced prostitution of a woman.

John O’Leary, 41, of Chicago was arrested in Knox County for promoting sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation, traveling to meet a minor, possession of methamphetamine and grooming.

New troopers assigned

Illinois State Police have assigned 21 new troopers to locations around the state.

A graduation ceremony was held Friday for a lateral-entry academy class in which officers with least two years of full-time experience completed an eleven-week ISP program.

The program included training in cultural diversity, procedural justice, de-escalation tactics and more.

New troopers earn approximately $90,000 in compensation upon graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy.