Man Threatened IL State Senator, Faces Felony Charges: Police

CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been arrested and faces charges after threatening to hurt a state senator, according to authorities.

Joseph Haggerty, 59, was arrested Tuesday after state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, contacted state police Sept. 2 about threats he received from Haggerty, authorities said.

Haggerty turned himself in on Tuesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued on Monday for two counts of threatening a public official, a Class 4 felony, according to police.

In a news release, Chesney’s office said Haggery sent two emails threatening physical harm to the senator the same day Chesney participated in a press conference focused on illegal immigration and President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. The news release identified Haggerty as an inspector for the city of Chicago.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations for their professionalism, diligence, and swift action throughout this case,” Chesney said in the news release.

“Their commitment to public safety is exemplary, and I am grateful to know that Mr. Haggerty will be held accountable for these felony crimes. It is deeply troubling that an inspector for the City of Chicago issued violent threats against a sitting public official, and such conduct must be met with the seriousness it deserves.”