Karen Levi has been named as the new chief deputy for restorative justice and training at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Levi, who has been the office’s chief of juvenile justice, was promoted earlier this month.
In her new job, Levi will supervise the new chief of juvenile justice, the chief of specialty court, the diversion coordinator and the deflection coordinator. According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, Levi will lead the office’s work with law enforcement and will be responsible for internal office training.
“Karen Levi has been recognized as an outstanding leader and prosecutor within the Lake County legal community and beyond,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “Karen is precisely the leader and teacher that we need to make sure that we expand our Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and other rehabilitation programs for years to come.”
Levi has been chief of juvenile justice since 2020 and has been named to several statewide groups in that specialty field. She has made numerous presentations to police, legal and community groups on making children safer in homes and the community.
“I am so incredibly proud to work for an office that recognizes the importance of rehabilitation in the criminal justice system,” Levi said. “I’m excited to now lead so many amazing prosecutors and staff in the critical work of safely and efficiently scaling up our local programs that have helped so many people.”
Levi’s job is part of the State’s Attorney’s Office’s mission to reduce crime through a holistic approach, Rinehart said.
“After we created the Violent Crimes Unit and upgraded our internal forensics lab, homicides, shootings, armed robberies, and many other violent crimes have decreased according to police and coroner data,” he said. “At the same time, our rehabilitation programs are helping nonviolent offenders receive the services they need so that they don’t escalate in their offenses and hurt people.
“Despite these past successes, challenges remain,” Rinehart said. “Our nonviolent cases are moving too slow, and not enough services are reaching non-violent offenders.”
New K-9 vest
K-9 Hemi of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will be donning some new apparel this holiday season.
The police dog will be the recipient of a bullet- and stab-proof vest from the group Vested in K9s. The charitable organization provides vests and other gear to police dogs around the nation. Hemi’s vest was made possible through a donation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and our Lake County community for helping ensure our canine partners have the best safety equipment available,” Sheriff John Idleburg said. “Thanks to this generosity, all of our K9s are equipped with bullet and stab resistant vests, allowing them to safely and effectively serve the Lake County community.”
Happy New Year
As we near the end of the year and the 2025 holiday season, it’s fitting to thank the many police departments across Lake County who again acted as Santa’s helpers.
Officers across the region pitch in for Shop with a Cop, Stuff a Squad and Toys for Tots (a U.S. Marine Corps project), helping make the Christmas season merrier for families in need.
These programs would not be able to thrive without assistance from many businesses and individuals who donate generously. Best wishes to them, and all the best for 2026.
