COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A Cook County judge ordered a University of Illinois-Chicago employee held on $25,000 bond Wednesday after she allegedly brought a handgun to work because she believed it was "her right."
Prosecutors charged Kathleen Loviscek, 55, of Westmont, with possession of a firearm on school grounds, unlawful use of a weapon on public land and unauthorized storage of a firearm Wednesday afternoon.
Loviscek, who works as an information specialist for UIC's research administration, allegedly told co-workers several weeks before being arrested she was going to buy a handgun and bring it to work, according to Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto.
Scaduto said Loviscek told coworkers she researched gun laws in the state and said it was her "right to carry a gun." On Feb. 12, Loviscek allegedly did bring a handgun to work, and a co-worker saw her pull the gun out of a "Taurus revolver handgun case," according to court documents.
The co-worker called police to a UIC administration building on the 1700 block of West Polk Street. Police found the gun and arrested Loviscek, according to court records.
Police said Loviscek had a Firearm Owner's Identification card but never received approval by the university's head security officer to bring the gun to work.
Cook County Judge Israel Desierto set Loviscek's bond at $25,000.
On Wednesday, University officials confirmed Loviscek was facing charges after bringing a handgun to work and said the university's policy regarding the incident is outlined by state law.
University spokesperson Bill Burton said Loviscek had been placed on administrative leave until further notice. Burton said he could not comment on what sort of employee Loviscek has been while working for UIC.
