Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) released the following statement in response to multiple media reports that Esmeralda Aguilar was released to the public under the new cashless bail implementation despite four felony charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer.

“Reports that on the very first day of no cash bail, a violent offender arrested for attacking four Chicago Police Officers, sending two of them to the hospital, was immediately released because the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office didn’t even bother to file a motion to seek detaining the accused are problematic. This highlights the misplaced priorities of Illinois’ criminal justice system when the prosecutor prioritizes the freedom of a violent offender over the safety of those police officers dedicated to protecting and serving our communities. Is there any wonder why police recruitment is at an all-time low in this state?”