According to the latest data released by the Cook County Chief Judge’s office, approximately 246 of the 3,048 criminal defendants currently enrolled in Chicago’s electronic monitoring program are considered missing or unaccounted for.
These individuals, who were released pretrial on the condition of wearing ankle monitors, have reportedly tampered with their devices, allowed their batteries to die, or otherwise remained out of contact with authorities for at least three hours.
The scale of the issue is particularly concerning given the nature of the charges involved. According to public tracking data, those currently in “AWOL” status include 21 individuals charged with murder, 13 with attempted murder, 103 facing sexual assault charges, and 173 charged with aggravated battery.
Nonetheless, Cook County Chief Judge Charles Beach confirmed to outlet WGN that law enforcement is actively working to locate and apprehend these missing defendants to ensure they are returned to custody.
“It doesn’t mean they’re out committing crimes necessarily,” Beach said. “Some might be. But they’re actively being searched for right now by law enforcement.”
Hellbound and Down 