Almost a month after finding and removing racist graffiti at the Flossmoor Metra station and Leavitt Park, village police announced they have a suspect in custody.
Flossmoor resident Sean Helton, 32, was charged Tuesday with two counts of criminal damage of government property costing $500 or less, a Class 4 felony, according to Cook County circuit court records.
The graffiti found painted on a wall of the Metra Station and on a sculpture installation included in Leavitt Park on Aug. 22 included “racial slurs and racist symbols,” according to Flossmoor police.
“The Flossmoor Police Department takes incidents related to hate and racism in our community very seriously,” Police Chief Carl Estelle said in a news release about the arrest. “The arrest in this case reflects our commitment to holding individuals accountable for acts that seek to divide and cause harm. We will continue to work closely with the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served and remain dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive community for all residents.”
Cook County circuit court records show Helton was also charged with criminal damage of government property in 2024, along with aggravated assault of a peace officer. Helton was granted pretrial release on Thursday on the condition that he would submit to a mental health evaluation through the probation department.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com