Pre-Trial Detention Ordered for Chicago Convicted Felon on Parole Charged with Armed Habitual Criminal for Alleged Illegal Possession of a Firearm

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to hold pre-trial a convicted felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm. Ronald Richardson, 34 (d.o.b. 8/8/1989) of the 12000 block of S. Aberdeen Street, Chicago, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony) and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 2 Felony).

On September 26, 2023, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Naperville police officers on foot patrol at TopGolf on Odyssey Court, observed an extended magazine protruding from a firearm in the driver’s side door of a parked vehicle. It is alleged that a short time later, Richardson and several other individuals returned to the vehicle with Richardson seated in the driver’s seat. At this time, Naperville police officers approached the vehicle and ordered everyone out. It is alleged that when officers searched the vehicle, they found a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun loaded with nineteen rounds in the driver’s side door compartment. Richardson was taken into custody at that time. Richardson is currently on parole out of Cook County on an Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon Conviction.

“As a convicted felon, Mr. Richardson is prohibited from legally owning a firearm,” Berlin said. “What I find particularly troubling in this case is the allegation that Mr. Richardson was in possession of a loaded firearm at a family-friendly recreation facility. Public safety remains the top priority of my administration. Allegations such as those against Mr. Richardson will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be fully prosecuted. The proactive efforts demonstrated once again by the Naperville Police Department allowed us to file these charges against Mr. Richardson. Their commitment to public safety is second to none and I commend them for their outstanding police work on this case that led to the removal of a dangerous weapon from our streets and quite possibly prevented a future tragedy. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj and Alexandria Levan for their work in securing charges against Mr. Richardson and for their ongoing efforts in keeping DuPage County safe from violent criminals.”

“Proactive policing is a critical part of our mission to keep this community safe, and our officers are doing an outstanding job in this regard,” Arres said. “We have no way of knowing what crimes we’ve possibly prevented by taking a firearm out of the hands of someone who can’t legally possess it. But I have no doubt that we’ve made this and other communities safer by taking this offender and illegal firearm off the streets. Criminal acts are not tolerated in Naperville, and we will continue to prioritize proactive policing for the safety of our city. Thank you to DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their continued collaboration and support of our mission.”

Richardson’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 23, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ronald Richardson

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.