A Homer Glen man who was charged last year with threatening Illinois state Rep. Nicole La Ha pleaded guilty Monday to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.
Will County Judge Vincent Cornelius accepted the plea agreement for Steven Brady, 41, who had submitted messages through La Ha’s public website threatening to harm her and her family.
Brady, who apologized in court for his actions, was sentenced to 12 months court supervision, $800 in court costs and fines and ordered to have no contact with La Ha, her family, home or place of employment. He was also given 30 days in jail, which he has already served.
Cornelius told Brady there is a right and wrong way to disagree with an elected official’s policies, but public servants do not deserve to be intimidated or harassed. Officials should never have to fear for the lives of themselves, their children or their family, he said.
“It’s a lot on your family,” Cornelius said. “It’s a lot on your own psyche. It’s more than you can imagine.”
Cornelius noted that Brady has changed since he first appeared in his courtroom. He said Brady originally was not doing well, was impulsive and not in control of himself.
In August, Brady was found unfit to stand trial and ordered to treatment. He was determined to be fit for trial earlier this year.
“I hope you are a better and different person,” Cornelius said.
La Ha, the Republican representative for the 82nd District and former Homer Glen trustee, said the country has seen a major uptick of political violence and threats. Those threats should have consequences, she said.
“Without consequences we will continue to see these things happening,” La Ha said.
La Ha said she ran for Homer Glen trustee in 2021 to make the community better for her children. She wanted to advocate for inclusion and accessible spaces and parks throughout town. She was appointed a state representative in 2023 and reelected last year.
“I always knew that harsh critics were part of this job and I have gotten used to that, but never once did I ever think that I would receive harassment and threats of this dark nature,” she said.
She said threats such as “expect lethal injection” or specifically naming family members goes beyond criticism of one’s job. Since Brady’s messages, her children have been scared and she has stopped taking them to public events where she was speaking.
“We should not have to choose between protecting ourselves and our family or serving our communities,” La Ha said. “At some point, we must stand up together as people who choose to serve and say no more.”
La Ha said she is glad Brady will be held accountable and hopes he gets the help he needs.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
