Dupage Policy Journal

Michael Musson, chairman of the Wayne Township Republican Organization (WTRO), recently praised Dupage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin for his dedication to citizen safety amidst a surge in crime rates affecting Wayne Township and its surrounding areas.

"Illinois residents are concerned about rising crime rates throughout our state," Musson said at a WTRO meeting. He further added, "DuPage County citizens are fortunate to have a State’s Attorney who is committed to ensuring our safety."

As per Fox 32, during the tail end of the holiday shopping season, Berlin took action against theft by charging 15 individuals with stealing from retail establishments. In a statement, Berlin said, "just because the holiday shopping season is nearing a close, our efforts to protect our businesses and patrons will not diminish."

ABC 7 reported that arrests were made across various cities in the county including Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Oak Brook, and Oakbrook Terrace during this period. Those apprehended faced retail theft charges.

An article by the Chicago Tribune published on Yahoo News highlighted that since late November of 2023, Berlin's office has filed over 130 felony retail theft cases. Emphasizing the importance of prosecuting such crimes, Berlin stated that it "sends a message that we don’t tolerate it."

According to the Dupage County Website, Bob Berlin has held his position as Dupage County state’s attorney since December 2010. With over 35 years of experience as a prosecutor under his belt, he was honored with the State's Attorney of the Year award by the Illinois Crime Commission in 2013.

The WTRO encompasses parts or all of West Chicago, St. Charles, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Wayne, and Hanover Park as stated on their official website.

Mike Musson not only chairs the WTRO but also serves as an assessor for Wayne Township. A lifelong resident of Wayne Township, Musson has been a certified assessing Officer in Illinois since 1991, according to the Township's assessor's website.

Berlin’s official campaign site reveals that he has served the people of Dupage County and Illinois for over 31 years. His tenure as the state’s attorney for Dupage County began in 2010. Among his various public safety initiatives, Berlin is a charter member of the DuPage County School Safety Task Force which aims to prevent violent crime by collaborating with Dupage County law enforcement, prosecuting individuals who commit violent crimes and addressing the opioid crisis through punitive measures against drug dealers and treatment provisions for substance abusers.