Illinois quick hits: Chinese national sentenced for role in investment scam
State provides $1.56 tax credit for expansion in LaSalle
An estimated tax credit of $1.56 million is part of Viakable’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy agreement to expand its manufacturing facilities in La Salle.
The cable manufacturer committed to investing $55 million and creating at least 50 full-time jobs in the deal announced on Wednesday. A statement from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office said the expansion project is a result of the governor’s trade mission to Mexico in the spring of 2025. Pritzker’s delegation on the trip included more than 70 people.
Pritzker PAC launches ads against Republicans
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s political action committee has launched anti-MAGA Republican ads in four states.
A statement from Ready for the Fight PAC said the new ads in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and New Mexico are part of a commitment to compete aggressively in places Democrats often write off.
Pritzker added $65 million to his gubernatorial campaign fund in August.
Chinese national sentenced for role in investment scam
A district judge has sentenced a Chinese national to 27 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in an investment scam.
U.S. government attorneys said Shenghan Jin, 27, was in the country illegally after his student visa expired in 2022. The victim in the case, a Belleville man, is estimated to have lost approximately $2.5 million through cryptocurrency, wire transfers and physical gold transactions.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said Jin will be immediately deported after his prison term ends.
Olney man gets 40-year sentence for child porn production
An Olney man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after he admitted to producing child pornography.
Prosecutors said George T. Grove, 49, created two videos of child sexual abuse material with a cell phone of a 13-year-old victim in July 2024.
Authorities said Grove was exchanging alcohol, money and drugs with minors for nude photos and sex.
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