A partner at a Chicago law firm will be sworn in later this month as Lake County’s new associate judge.
Sari W. Montgomery was elected to the bench by a vote of Lake County’s Circuit Court judges. She will replace Judge Luis Berrones, who is retiring.
“Sari Montgomery is widely respected for her exceptional work in legal ethics and professional responsibility, having devoted nearly three decades to advancing the highest standards of the legal profession,” Chief Judge Daniel Shanes said. “Her career reflects a career defined by excellence, fairness, and service. She will undoubtedly bring those same qualities to the bench.”
Montgomery, who is a partner at the firm of Robinson, Stewart, Montgomery and Doppke, spent more than a decade as senior litigation counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court. The ARDC is the body that investigates and hears complaints against lawyers.
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Since 2010, she has represented lawyers and judges in disciplinary proceedings, according to her firm’s website.
“It is the honor of my career to be appointed as an associate judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit. I appreciate and am humbled by the confidence the circuit judges have placed in me and look forward to serving the Lake County community in this new role,” Montgomery said.
She is a graduate of the University of Chicago and Loyola University’s College of Law. Montgomery is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and is a member of the Lake County Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County.
The Lake County Bar Association gave Montgomery its “highly recommended” rating during the judicial selection process.
Sexual abuse materials
A Waukegan man was arrested this month on charges that he possessed and disseminated child sexual abuse material, Lake County authorities said.
Francisco Ruiz, of the 400 block of McKinley Avenue, was charged after police conducted a search warrant at his residence Wednesday. Police said they seized electronic devices that contained thousands of files of suspected sex abuse material.
The investigation began in July after the Illinois Attorney General’s Office tipped Lake County prosecutors about the suspected illegal activity. Authorities later attributed the activity to Ruiz’s home.
“Our Cybercrimes Division and law enforcement partners continue to work every day to identify those who exploit children,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and why we must continue to invest in every tool possible to find critical evidence and hold those who would harm children accountable.”
5K for a cause
Rise and Run, a 5K walk and run to raise awareness of substance abuse issues, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 30 at the Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lindenhurst.
The event is organized by the Lake County Opioid Initiative. In addition to the 5K, the event will feature food trucks, community resources, and inspiring stories of people who have battled with addiction.
“This event is about so much more than a 5K — it’s about remembrance, awareness, hope, and recovery,” said Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek, who is chair of the Opioid Initiative. “Whether you’ve been personally affected by substance use disorder, support someone in recovery, or simply want to stand with our community, we invite you to be part of this meaningful day.”
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Those interested in the 5K can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=201569.