Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Winnebago County man for falsifying training certificates required to obtain a concealed carry license in Illinois.
Raoul charged Juan J. Reyes, 52, in Ogle County Circuit Court with forgery, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison, and unlawful violation of the Concealed Carry Act, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in county jail. Reyes pleaded not guilty to both charges, and his next court date is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2024.
“Individuals who intentionally break our public safety laws meant to protect Illinoisans from gun violence must be held accountable,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies to fight gun violence in all of its forms.”
Reyes, an instructor who trains others seeking to obtain concealed carry licenses, allegedly falsified certificates by claiming applicants had completed the legally-required 16 hours of training when they had not. The Illinois State Police (ISP) investigated the case.
"Concealed Carry License training requirements are explicit, not discretionary, and are there for a reason," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "ISP will not tolerate anyone trying to skirt training requirements and will rigorously investigate any allegations of impropriety."
The public is reminded that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorneys General Steven Knight and Peter Ravoori are prosecuting the case for Raoul’s office.
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