Larry Dennis. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The victim of a shooting in the south suburbs has been charged with bribery for offering to refuse to testify in the case against his offender in exchange for a cash payoff of $1,000, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.
Larry Dennis, 29, of Markham, has been charged with bribery following an investigation by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit. Dennis appeared in court August 27 at the Markham Courthouse where his bond was set at $30,000.
According to prosecutors, Dennis was the victim of a shooting which occurred on July 7 in Markham in the 16300 block of South Laflin. Dennis was with a group of people on the street who became involved in an argument with David Gordon, who was in a vehicle on the street. The argument escalated and Gordon began shooting into the group, striking Dennis. Dennis sustained a non-life threatening injury from the shooting and was treated and released from a local hospital. Dennis later identified Gordon as the individual who shot him and Gordon was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a firearm.
According to prosecutors, on August 21, Dennis had a conversation with one of Gordon’s relatives and told the relative that he would refuse to testify against Gordon in exchange for $1,000. An undercover investigation was then initiated and Dennis was arrested yesterday after meeting with the individual and accepting the $1,000 bribe.
The original aggravated battery with a firearm case against Gordon is still pending and his next court date is scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Cook County Courthouse in Markham. Dennis’ next court date is set for Sept. 17 in Markham.
The public is reminded that criminal charging documents contain allegations that are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the state has the burden of proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
