Gang Leader Shot Ex-Member Who Refused to Rejoin, Prosecutors Say

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A man who was sent to prison for murder at age 13, but was later exonerated and awarded millions in compensation, is facing criminal charges after shooting another man in Irving Park on Monday, according to police and published reports.

During a bond hearing Wednesday, prosecutors described Thaddeus Jimenez, 36, as a prominent gang leader who's been known to spend upward of $50,000 recruiting new members with cash, guns and cars.

Jimenez was driving his grey Mercedes convertible about 11:20 a.m. Monday when he spotted a former gang member, who had moved away and been inactive for four years, Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said in court.

The 33-year-old victim, who "steadfastly refused to rejoin the gang," was visiting a friend in the 3500 block of West Belle Plaine Avenue, Scaduto added.

Jimenez, who was driving on a revoked license, pointed an "electric blue" gun at the victim's head before lowering it and shooting the man once in each leg, according to prosecutors. Both of the man's femurs were shattered, Scaduto said.

Jimenez then drove off, only to be followed by an unmarked police SUV that had been patrolling the area, prosecutors said. Jimenez sped away, running at least one red light before eventually crashing his car into a parked vehicle.

He and passenger Jose Roman, 22, tried to make a run for it, but were stopped by police, prosecutors said.

"This was act was bold. This act was brazen," Scaduto said Wednesday as she pushed for Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas to hold Jimenez without bail.

Police recovered Jimenez's .380 caliber handgun and Roman's .22 caliber rifle, which was loaded with 23 bullets, Scaduto said. Officers also recovered shell casings on Belle Plaine.

Jimenez, who lives in suburban Des Plaines, was out on bond at the time of the shooting for a November 2014 aggravated DUI charge. He was charged in this case with aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving and driving without registration.

Roman, of the 2800 block of North Keating Avenue, was also on bond for two pending gun cases, prosecutors said. He was charged with aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Chiampas ordered both men held without bail, calling them a "real and present threat."

Jimenez was convicted of murder when he was 13 and spent more than 16 years in state prison before being exonerated and released in 2009, according to the Tribune. He was awarded $25 million in damages for the wrongful murder conviction, the paper reported.

The Tribune also called Jimenez a "reputed gang leader," with more than a dozen cars registered in his name.

Jimenez's attorney on Wednesday said his client lives in Des Plaines, works at a towing company and has two children.

Roman's attorney said Roman fixes bathtubs and kitchen appliances and is married with two children.

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