DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced Thursday, March 31, that bond has been set for a Naperville man charged with illegally possessing two handguns after his FOID card was revoked. The defendant, Marcus Wise, 34 (d.o.b. 4/2/1987) of the 1300 block of Modaff Road, has also been charged with cocaine possession. Wise appeared in Bond Court on March 31 where Judge Demetrios Panoushis set bond at $8,000 with 10% to apply. Wise has been charged with one count of Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony), one count of Failure to Surrender FOID Card (Class A Misdemeanor) and two counts of Possession of a Firearm – No Valid FOID Card (Class A Misdemeanor).
On March 30, 2022, while waiting for a judge to sign a search warrant of Wise’s home, officers with the Naperville Police Department observed Wise leave his residence and enter a vehicle. Officers allegedly observed Wise commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on Wise’s vehicle. As there was an active arrest warrant against Wise for failing to surrender his guns, officers took him into custody at this time. It is alleged that during the subsequent execution of a valid search warrant of Wise’s home, officers found two handguns and cocaine.
“Once Mr. Wise was stripped of his ability to legally own a gun, by law, he is required to relinquish ownership of any guns in his possession,” Berlin said. “It is alleged that Mr. Wise maintained possession of his handguns after he knew he was no longer legally allowed to own them. Following an outstanding investigation conducted by the Naperville Police Department into Mr. Wise’s illegal gun ownership, it is further alleged that he was also in possession of cocaine. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their pro-active efforts in removing illegal guns from our streets. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Denis Cahill and Kelly McKay for their work in securing charges against this defendant.”
“I am extremely proud of the efforts of the Naperville police officers involved in this case,” Arres said. “Naperville is one of only a few agencies throughout the state currently using our available statutes to remove weapons from those who have lost their privilege to legally own them. Getting illegally owned weapons off the streets is paramount in combatting crime in our communities. I would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance on this case.”
Wise’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 25, 2022, for arraignment in front of Judge Kavita Athanikar.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
About Naperville
Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city's diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.
City of Naperville | 400 S. Eagle St. | Naperville, IL 60540 | www.naperville.il.us
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