Lake and McHenry County Scanner

Federal judge ends President Biden’s mask mandate on planes, trains and other public transportation

Posted: 18 Apr 2022 03:28 PM PDT

File Photo – Metra Train | Photo: Stephenrees / Wikimedia Commons

A federal judge on Monday struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for planes, airports, trains and other public transportation.

A lawsuit was filed last July by two individuals along with the Health Freedom Defense Fund.

The suit named the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and various government officials as defendants, seeking a declaratory judgment to have the mandate deemed unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, appointed to the Middle District of Florida, ruled Monday that the CDC’s mandate exceeds its authority and violates the procedures required for agency rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act.

“It is indisputable that the public has a strong interest in combating the spread of COVID-19. In pursuit of that end, the CDC issued the mask mandate. But the mandate exceeded the CDC’s statutory authority, improperly invoked the good cause exception to notice and comment rulemaking, and failed to adequately explain its decisions,” the ruling said.

“Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate,” the ruling said.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA issued a statement urging “calm and consistency” in the airports and on planes following the ruling.

“We will soon have more legal analysis on what this means and what next steps may be taken in court by the government. We urge focus on clear communication so that Flight Attendants and other frontline workers are not subject to more violence created by uncertainty and confusion,” the association said.

“It takes a minimum of 24-48 hours to implement new procedures and communicate this throughout the entire network. Policies and procedures must be updated and thoroughly communicated to hundreds of thousands of employees, along with millions of travelers. Announcements and signage, electronic and physical must be updated,” the statement said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday afternoon that the ruling was “disappointing” and the CDC and DHS were reviewing the ruling.

Texas Public Policy Foundation Executive Director and General Counsel Rob Henneke said that the judge “correctly held that that CDC transportation mask mandate was unlawful and violated the Administrative Procedure Act.”

“The Court's order vacates the CDC Mask Mandate, which will be effective for all persons nationwide as soon as final judgment is entered by the Clerk of the Court," Henneke said.

Police arrest suspect wanted for hitting, injuring police officer with car during pursuit in Lincolnshire

Posted: 18 Apr 2022 01:27 PM PDT

Police in Iowa have arrested a suspect wanted for hitting and injuring a police officer with his vehicle as he fled from officers in Lincolnshire last week.

Michael J. Ockerman, 32, who has no permanent address, was charged with one count of aggravated battery of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony.

The Lincolnshire Police Department received a call from a neighboring police department regarding a reckless driver traveling northbound on Milwaukee Avenue near Aptakisic Road just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Lincolnshire Police Department Commander Kimberly Covelli said dispatchers immediately received several 911 calls from people in the area reporting the vehicle was driving recklessly and blocking the roadway.

As police arrived on the scene, the suspect vehicle, driven by Ockerman, proceeded northbound on Milwaukee Avenue.

Ockerman started driving in circles on the roadway through all lanes of Milwaukee Avenue near Riverside Road.

Michael J. Ockerman, 32, was arrested for aggravated battery of a police officer after fleeing from police in Lincolnshire Thursday and hitting an officer, officials said. | Provided Photo

An officer attempted to block northbound traffic on Milwaukee Avenue to keep motorists safe, Covelli said.

After exiting her squad car, she was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.

Ockerman fled from the scene at a high rate of speed and officers pursued the vehicle in an attempt to stop it.

The vehicle did not stop for the officers' emergency lights and sirens, Covelli said.

“Due to the recklessness of the driver and to avoid other innocent persons from being involved in a serious crash, officers discontinued the pursuit,” she said.

A sedan drives around in circles on Milwaukee Avenue near Riverside Road in Lincolnshire shortly before hitting a police officer Thursday evening. | Photo: Amy Lynn

The injured officer was transported from the scene by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with non-life-threatening injuries.

The officer was treated and released, Covelli said.

Detectives found evidence identifying Ockerman as the driver. They also obtained information showing he was last seen in Burlington, Wisconsin.

An arrest warrant was obtained Friday and a Lake County judge set bond at $350,000 on the warrant.

On Sunday, the police department received a tip regarding Ockerman’s whereabouts.

The Dubuque, Iowa Police Department was notified by the Lincolnshire Police Department and within hours they located Ockerman.

Officers arrested Ockerman near an entrance to one of the city’s parks in Dubuque.

Ockerman remains held in the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center pending extradition to Lake County.

Attorney expects ‘inconsistent’ rulings in vaccine mandate challenges moving through the courts

Posted: 18 Apr 2022 11:56 AM PDT

File Photo | Photo via the CDC

(The Center Square) – With the latest lawsuit against vaccine and testing mandates coming from dozens of corrections employees, the attorney carrying the case worries elections could get in the way of bringing finality to the issue.

Attorney Thomas DeVore has secured temporary restraining orders against COVID-19 vaccine or testing mandates in schools, including Chicago Public Schools. The orders only apply to plaintiffs in those cases.

DeVore said the cases are far from decided, regardless of the issuance of temporary restraining orders.

"The legislature won't solve these problems, they could, so the courts are going to have to solve it," DeVore said. "We're going to have some inconsistencies and have rulings on one side, rulings on the other, I guess the [Illinois] Supreme Court gonna have to resolve this but again with them it's an election year too, so they probably won't be too excited at hearing these cases either. It's unfortunate."

For the case with parents suing schools over mask and exclusion mandates, DeVore said the number of plaintiffs has grown to nearly 1,600 parents.

"They have to be resolved. The people have to have some understanding," DeVore told WMAY. "So, we're going to come back to the court. We're going to get final rulings on these cases, however the courts want to rule, and there's probably going to be rulings that are inconsistent."

Using the argument that vaccines and testing are a form of quarantine that can't be forced on someone, DeVore filed a case on behalf of 46 employees of the Illinois Department of Corrections Thursday. The case is now expected to be heard Monday in Christian County.

In separate cases DeVore is not involved in challenging vaccine mandates by several public employers, the Fourth District Court of Appeals Thursday ruled mandates are within an employer's purview.

"The threatened penalty for noncompliance with the vaccination or testing requirement is merely the loss of employment, not quarantine or isolation," the majority opinion said. "To be fired is not to be quarantined or isolated from the community at large."

DeVore disagreed that's the case for public employers.

"Private employers have a lot more discretion," DeVore said. "They can put a lot more workplace conditions in their environment. But, again, with public bodies, they don't have that broad discretion. They only have what the law gives them."

Antioch man arrested and charged for allegedly possessing child pornography

Posted: 18 Apr 2022 10:05 AM PDT

Mark Fine, 21, of Antioch | Provided Photo

A 21-year-old Antioch man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly possessing child pornography.

Mark Fine, 21, of the 700 block of Highview Court in Antioch, was charged with three counts of possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony.

In January, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Cybercrimes Unit conducted an investigation into the suspected sharing of child pornography, according to Antioch Communication Specialist Jim Moran.

A judge issued an arrest warrant for Fine for allegedly possessing child pornography and set his bond at $300,000.

The Antioch Police Department arrested Fine and transported him to the Lake County Jail on Wednesday.

If convicted, Fine faces three to seven years in prison.

Fine is also facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage and driving on a suspended license, jail records show.

On Friday, the sheriff’s office announced they were seeking tips from the public in locating an 18-year-old Wadsworth man who is allegedly possessing child pornography and is avoiding apprehension.

Fine remains held at the Lake County Jail on a $300,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.

Man charged with DUI after crashing into pole, injuring passenger in Barrington Hills

Posted: 18 Apr 2022 08:01 AM PDT

Daniel Spears, 35, of Fox River Grove

A Fox River Grove man was charged with driving under the influence after he crashed into a pole and drove into a shallow pond, injuring his passenger, in Barrington Hills early Thursday morning.

Daniel Spears, 35, of the 100 block of Northwest Highway in Fox River Grove, was charged with aggravated DUI resulting in bodily harm, aggravated DUI with a suspended or revoked license, driving under the influence of alcohol, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving without a valid license and not driving on the right side of the road.

The Barrington Hills Police Department responded at 2:12 a.m. Thursday to Chapel Road west of Church Road for a report of a single-vehicle crash.

Barrington Hills Police Department Public Information Officer William Walsh told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that a vehicle left the roadway, struck a utility pole and came to rest in a shallow pond.

The occupants of the vehicle were able to exit by themselves and paramedics transported them to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The occupants have since been treated and released, Walsh said.

Spears was later arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when he was involved in the crash, according to a criminal complaint.

Spears also allegedly failed to drive his car on the correct side of the road and did not reduce his speed to avoid the crash, the complaint said.

His license was revoked or suspended and his vehicle was uninsured at the time of the crash, the complaint added.

A judge set Spears’ bond at $50,000. He would need to post 10% to be released.

Spears remains held at the McHenry County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning for a preliminary hearing.

Six Flags Great America opens for the season with new improvements

Posted: 17 Apr 2022 05:46 PM PDT

File Photo – Six Flags Great America | Photo: Jeremy Thompson / Flickr (Creative Commons)

Six Flags Great America opened for the season on Friday with new improvements in what the amusement park is calling the “largest array of improvements in over 15 years.”

The changes include new dining options and guest amenities that focus on “elevating the guest experience,” Six Flags Great America said in a statement.

New changes for this year include a section called “DC Universe,” which opens later this spring.

The new area features three “re-imagined” attractions — The Flash: Vertical Velocity, Aquaman Splashdown and DC Super-Villains Swing.

Roaring Rapids is making a return with “extensive refurbishment” after the 3-acre rafting ride closed for two years, the statement said.

Single rider lines — which will be added to Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, Maxx Force, The Dark Knight and The Joker — will allow rides to operate at maximum capacity to shorten wait times.

Guests will enjoy over 65 new benches and more than 50 new picnic tables throughout the park.

New dining options for this year include three macaroni and cheese options at Waterin’ Hole, coffee creations at Bourbon Street Cafe and Dole Whip ice cream at the new Captain Cold Ice Cream.

To improve speed and efficiency, The Flash Pass can now be accessed through a mobile app.

Great America is also announcing a new three-tiered pass program.

The three tiers are the Thrill Seeker Pass, the Extreme Pass and the Ultimate Pass.

More information on the new passes is available on the park’s website.

Six Flags Great America will only be open for the weekends until May when the park begins to gradually open for the rest of the week, according to the park hours.

Park President John Krajnak said, "As we kick off the 2022 season, our focus is on improving the guest experience through technology, park enhancements and innovation.”

"As the Midwest's premier family entertainment destination, we're laser-focused on providing incredible guest service in a beautiful, modern and state-of-the-art environment,” Krajnak added.

Legislation classifying dispatchers as first responders clears legislature in Illinois

Posted: 17 Apr 2022 03:36 PM PDT

File Photo – 911 Dispatch Center | Photo: Jim Bartlett Team Rubicon/BLM for USFS (Flickr / Creative Commons)

(The Center Square) – A bill that would give Illinois emergency dispatchers more benefits and officially classify the profession as first responders could soon be sent to the governor.

Senate Bill 3127 was filed by state Sen. Neil Anderson and provides that emergency dispatchers are now COVID-19 first responders.

If signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, emergency dispatchers would qualify for extra medical benefits, mental health benefits and extra funding for the industry.

Anderson, R-Andalusia, explained during a news conference Wednesday why he thinks this bill was important to pass.

“Dispatchers are there to answer the initial call on what 99% of the time is someone’s worst day of their entire life,” Anderson said.

“These men and women deal with critical situations and they are our eyes and ears for police, fire, and E.M.S.,” Anderson said.

State Rep. Daniel Swanson, R-Alpha, is a house sponsor of the bill and echoed Anderson’s thoughts on the importance of emergency dispatchers.

“These are essential workers that help residents and first responders through their most critical moments,” Swanson said.

“They help save countless lives and help people from every walk of life navigate through the most traumatic of times,” Swanson said.

Swanson also said classifying dispatchers as first responders could help draw people into the profession during a state-wide labor shortage.

“If we can help facilitate more people being interested in this kind of life-saving work with legislative action, then we should,” Swanson said.

“I am proud to report that we are taking these steps in the state of Illinois by passing this legislation,” he added.

Senate Bill 3127 passed unanimously through both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and can now be sent to the governor.

Chicago man charged with drug-induced homicide in death of Wonder Lake man

Posted: 17 Apr 2022 01:26 PM PDT

Antione Sullivan, 38, of Chicago

A Chicago man was charged with drug-induced homicide for allegedly selling fentanyl-laced heroin to a 33-year-old Wonder Lake man, who died after ingesting it.

Antione Sullivan, 38, of the 6100 block of South Evans Avenue in Chicago, was charged with drug-induced homicide, a Class X felony.

A criminal complaint alleges Sullivan unlawfully delivered heroin and fentanyl to Jeffrey Nanstiel on February 16.

Nanstiel ingested the substances shortly after buying them and died, the complaint said.

According to an obituary, Nanstiel died at the age of 33 on February 17 at his home in Wonder Lake.

A forensic pathologist ruled that Nanstiel died from the adverse effects of heroin and fentanyl, court documents show.

On Thursday, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Task Force communicated with Sullivan and organized a drug deal.

Sullivan agreed to sell $500 of heroin to undercover officers, court documents show.

Sullivan arrived at the meeting place and was arrested by task force members while he was possessing multiple bags of heroin.

He also had the phones he used to arrange the drug deal, court documents show.

Sullivan remains held at the McHenry County Jail on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning.

ComEd submits request to Illinois regulators for nearly $200 million rate increase on customers

Posted: 17 Apr 2022 10:59 AM PDT

File Photo – ComEd Truck | Photo: Tracy Mathesius

ComEd is asking Illinois state regulators for a $199 million increase in electricity delivery charges, which, if approved, would increase monthly residential bills by $2.20.

ComEd announced on Friday they have submitted the request to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

The request was made “to sustain improvements in reliability for residential and commercial customers and support the transition to 100% clean energy,” ComEd said.

If the ICC approves the request, residential customers will see a monthly increase of about $2.20 starting in January 2023.

However, ComEd estimates that offsets driven by a reduction in energy capacity costs will result in a total average monthly bill lower than current bills for January 2023.

“Even with the requested increase in delivery charges for 2022 and before expected upcoming offsets, ComEd’s residential customer rates next January are expected to be at least 10% below the average of rates in the 10 largest U.S. metropolitan areas,” ComEd said in a statement.

Friday marks the beginning of an eight-month process where the ICC and other groups will review ComEd’s proposal.

State regulators will look at things such as ComEd’s actual operating costs for last year and expected investments for this year to decide if the rate increase is “prudent and reasonable.”

The ICC is reviewing a proposal to advance to customers $65 million in deferred income tax benefits which would offset 82 cents of the monthly charge increase.

ComEd said that the capacity charges customers pay to meet high power demand are expected to decline by 65% this year.

In February, ComEd’s average monthly residential bill was $89.49, which is slightly less than the $90 total bill in January 2015, ComEd said.

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said in a statement they will review ComEd’s request and “fight every dollar that can’t be justified.”

“This is bad news for Illinois consumers who are coming off the most expensive winter heating season in more than a decade, and it's why we're working to build a more consumer-friendly rate-setting system in Illinois,” CUB said.

The rate increase would be the largest by ComEd in eight years, CUB said.

It comes after ComEd paid a $200 million fine in July 2020 to resolve a federal criminal investigation into an alleged bribery scheme.

Federal prosecutors said ComEd “arranged jobs, vendor subcontracts, and monetary payments associated with those jobs and subcontracts, for various associates of a high-level elected official for the state of Illinois, to influence and reward the official's efforts to assist ComEd with respect to legislation concerning ComEd and its business.”

ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones said, “As we bring more renewable energy like wind and solar onto the power grid to support the state’s ambitious clean energy goals, we must enhance our infrastructure to safely integrate these resources and ensure the more than 9 million people we serve can continue to count on reliable and affordable energy.”

“The grid was designed decades before widescale adoption of renewables, electric vehicles, digital devices, industrial electrification and emerging sectors like indoor agriculture. We will continue working with local leaders and community groups to ensure the grid can meet the needs of all customers in the 21st century,” Quiniones added.

Probation for Woodstock man who claimed he had COVID-19 and coughed in deputy’s face

Posted: 17 Apr 2022 08:51 AM PDT

Dustin Garbacz, 36, of Woodstock | Provided Photo

A 36-year-old Woodstock man was sentenced to two years of probation after he claimed he had COVID-19 and coughed in a deputy’s face during an arrest in January.

Dustin Garbacz, 36, of the 100 block of Lawrence Avenue in Woodstock, was indicted by a grand jury with aggravated assault of a peace officer, resisting a peace officer and resisting a peace officer resulting in injury.

The Woodstock Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Garbacz’s residence on January 3.

Garbacz had a warrant after he failed to appear in court for an alleged speeding violation in April 2021.

The Woodstock police officer told Garbacz there was a warrant for his arrest.

Garbacz then allegedly slammed and locked the door to his residence and refused to exit, the complaint said.

A judge issued another warrant for Garbacz for resisting a peace officer.

On January 10, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve the arrest warrants at Garbacz’s residence.

Garbacz allegedly resisted the two deputies who were attempting to take him into custody, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges Garbacz pulled away from both deputies, resulting in injuries to one of the deputy’s left wrist and arm.

The man admitted to being sick with COVID-19 and coughed directly in the deputy’s face, the complaint added.

Garbacz was arrested and later indicted on January 27.

Garbacz pleaded guilty on April 14 to resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.

The other two charges, aggravated assault of a peace officer and resisting a peace officer resulting in injury, both Class 4 felonies, were dismissed by prosecutors.

A judge sentenced Garbacz to two years of probation. He is also required to pay $1,314 in court fees and spend five days in jail.

Police departments in Lake County warn residents of car burglaries and theft, encourage ‘9 PM Routine’

Posted: 16 Apr 2022 06:08 PM PDT

This sign at a forest preserve in Lake County urges residents to hide their belongings, lock their cars and take their keys to decrease the risk of car burglaries and theft. | Photo: Lake County Forest Preserves

Numerous police departments in Lake County are warning residents of an increase in car burglaries and thefts and are encouraging residents to practice the “9 PM Routine.”

Authorities say car burglaries and thefts increase as the weather warms up, and they are offering tips to combat such crimes.

The Lake County Forest Preserves said parking lots, including those in the forest preserves, are common locations for vehicle break-ins.

“Every vehicle that has been burglarized had a valuable item left inside,” the forest preserves said.

“Ranger police are strongly urging preserve visitors to lock car doors, close windows, and keep personal property out of plain view, take it with you, or leave it at home.”

Authorities say thieves can break a car window, unlock the door and steal items inside in less than a minute.

“Often there are no witnesses to these offenses because of the ease and speed,” the forest preserves said.

Some police departments, like the Antioch Police Department, are relaunching their initiative to promote the “9 PM Routine” on social media.

Originating in Pasco County, Florida, in 2017, the 9 PM Routine is a daily reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, make sure all doors and windows of their vehicles and homes are shut and locked, and turn on exterior lights.

Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said the most recent burglaries occurred from the end of March through the beginning of April in several different neighborhoods in the village.

Guttschow said his department sees a drop in "crimes of opportunity" every time they push the 9 PM Routine, and they will continue to promote the #9PMRoutine hashtag on social media.

Residents should consider installing motion-detector floodlights and surveillance cameras to deter would-be thieves.

Those with surveillance video that captures suspicious activity should contact their local police department.

“While it can happen any time of day, it is very common for thieves to strike during the overnight hours,” Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.

“They often will go driveway to driveway, pulling on door handles. If a door is left unlocked, they quickly rifle through the victim's belongings and take anything of value. Sometimes they will open the garage door and look for valuables in the garage or inside the home, if left unlocked. Sometimes, if the key fob or keys are left inside the vehicle, they'll take that too,” Covelli said.

Police are always keeping an eye out for thieves during patrol, Covelli said, but residents can reduce their risk of being a victim by reporting suspicious activity immediately.

Authorities also recommend residents park their cars inside garages. If parking outside, residents should choose a well-lit area that is visible to other people.

Residents can download and print this theft prevention tips card created by the Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Police to stay reminded of crime prevention tips.

6 years in prison for 1 of 3 men who took plea deal in murder of homeless man in Crystal Lake

Posted: 16 Apr 2022 04:09 PM PDT

Left to Right: William P. Linke, 52, Michael M. Miller, 35, and Devin J. Petersen, 25 | Provided Photos

One of three men who was charged in the 2020 murder of a homeless man in Crystal Lake was sentenced to six years in prison after prosecutors negotiated a plea deal on Thursday.

William P. Linke, 52, was charged with first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated battery, concealment of a homicidal death and mob action in March 2020.

On Thursday, prosecutors negotiated a plea deal with Linke and dismissed the charges of first-degree murder, robbery and mob action in exchange for a guilty plea on the charges of aggravated battery and concealment of a homicidal death, both Class 3 felonies.

McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt sentenced Linke to six years in prison, with one year of mandatory supervised release, court documents show.

Three years are for aggravated battery and the other three years are for concealment of a homicidal death.

Linke will receive credit for spending 759 days in custody at the McHenry County Jail, court documents show.

The rest of Linke’s sentence will be served at 50%.

The incident stems from when the Crystal Lake Police Department responded around 2:59 p.m. March 17, 2020, to the 6100 block of Northwest Highway after receiving an open line 911 call.

Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Derek Hyrkas said at the time that officers located Linke, Michael M. Miller, 35, and Devin J. Petersen, 25, at the location, one of which was covered in blood.

Further investigation led the officers to a secluded wooded inlet on the west side of Three Oaks Recreation Area where they discovered deceased Robert L. Krikie Jr., 51, floating in the water, Hyrkas said.

Police investigate the death of a 51-year-old man at Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake on March 17, 2020. | Photo: Alex Vucha / Lake and McHenry County Scanner

A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges that the victim was struck, kicked, choked and punched. The victim ultimately died after being struck in the head with a rock.

The 51-year-old victim also had his wallet stolen from him during the attack.

The three men are accused of dumping the man's body into the water following the attack.

According to Crystal Lake police, the three men and the victim were all homeless and acquaintances.

The McHenry County State's Attorney's Office reached a blind plea deal agreement with Miller in May 2021, court records show.

Miller pleaded guilty to armed robbery and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and prosecutors dismissed the rest of his charges, including first-degree murder.

In July 2021, Wilbrandt sentenced Miller to 15 years in prison, court documents show.

Petersen remains held at the McHenry County Jail awaiting trial. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 28.

Sheriff’s office warns of police impersonator targeting McHenry County residents

Posted: 16 Apr 2022 02:26 PM PDT

File Photo – McHenry County Sheriff’s Office | Photo: Alex Vucha

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a phone scam after a police impersonator reportedly called residents to ask for bond money.

McHenry County College employees reported receiving phone calls and voicemails asking them to contact “Captain Terry Alexander” of the sheriff’s office regarding an urgent civil matter.

When an unsuspecting resident calls the number, a recording plays that mimics the sheriff’s office with an option to speak to “Captain Terry Alexander,” the sheriff’s office said.

When the caller selects that option, a person asks the caller for “bond money.”

“Captain Terry Alexander” does not exist. Officials are warning residents of this scam.

“The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call asking for money. If you receive a suspicious voicemail from an unknown number, ignore it. DO NOT call the number back,” the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post on Friday.

“Best practice is to always ignore calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If you’re unsure, search the number. Most real companies will have a website which lists their number,” the sheriff’s office added.

Officials are urging residents to talk to their family and friends, especially the elderly, and warn them of these types of phone scams.