On January 8, 2015, Rafael Cortes, a suspect in a federal violent crime case, stood before the Illinois Northern District Federal Court in Chicago. The defendant was charged with a string of violent crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The case, bearing Cortes’ name, had been under investigation for several months prior to the defendant’s arraignment. Law enforcement officials had been monitoring Cortes’ activities, suspecting him of involvement in a local street gang.
The charges against Cortes stemmed from a violent altercation on a Chicago street in October 2014. According to eyewitnesses, Cortes and several other individuals clashed in a heated confrontation, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds and serious injuries.
Cortes was arrested on January 5, 2015, and subsequently charged with the violent crimes. His trial began on April 15, 2015.
After several days of testimony and evidence presentation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict on April 22, 2015. Cortes was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in the violent crime.
Key Facts
- Case: Cortes
- Court: ILND Federal District
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Federal Court Records
