Rockford Sun

Two members of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Prisoner Review Board (PRB) have resigned after a man released by the board killed an 11-year-old boy and critically wounded the boy’s pregnant mother. Crosetti Brand is accused of stabbing a former girlfriend and killing her son as the boy attempted to defend his mother from a brutal attack just a day after being released by Pritzker’s PRB. In February, while on parole, Brand sent the woman messages threatening to kill her and went to her home. This violation of his parole landed him back in the state’s custody while the PRB could consider whether he should remain in prison. Despite the threats, the boy’s mother seeking an order of protection, and Brand’s history of domestic abuse, the PRB voted to release him.

On March 25, Gov. Pritzker announced that two of the members of the scandal-plagued board were resigning.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) expressed his concerns, stating, "This case is just the latest in a string of controversial decisions made by the PRB, which has released numerous convicted murderers and violent offenders on the Governor’s watch."

Senator Syverson also pointed out the issues surrounding the controversial appointments to the PRB made by Governor Pritzker, stating, "Pritzker has made a number of high-profile, controversial appointments to the PRB, including a convicted double murderer."

Regarding a controversial new state law limiting where challenges to state laws can be heard, Senator Syverson mentioned, "I did not support House Bill 3062 in the Senate, noting that it creates an unnecessary burden on people seeking help through the courts and because the concept is likely unconstitutional."

Senate Republicans have also introduced legislation to address the expensive charging station mandates affecting affordable housing options for homeless veterans. Senator Syverson co-sponsored Senate Bill 2597, which aims to remove this costly burden and exempt tiny homes designated for at-risk veterans from the Electric Vehicle Charging Act's requirements.

In a recent study naming Illinois the least tax-friendly state in the nation, Senator Syverson emphasized the need for tax relief, stating, "This report underscores the need for state government to prioritize its citizens and address the financial strain on working families."

Illinois faces challenges in its criminal justice system, legal procedures, and tax burden, prompting calls for reforms and solutions from lawmakers like Senator Dave Syverson.