February 19, 2025
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s Moton to deny pre-trial release for a two-time convicted felon who was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. Joshua Griffin, 31 (d.o.b. 5/22/1993) of the 500 block of N. 3rd Avenue, Villa Park, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender (Class X Felony) and one count of Misdemeanor Unlawful Possession of Cannabis by Driver.
On February 19, 2025, at approximately 12:16 a.m., the Oak Brook Police Department conducted a traffic stop near 22nd Street and Park View Drive on a vehicle, allegedly driven by Griffin, with suspended license plates. During the stop, after allegedly observing the odor of cannabis coming from the vehicle, officers conducted a search of the vehicle. It is alleged that while searching the vehicle, officers located a loaded, Taurus, .40 caliber handgun in the glove box. Further investigation revealed that Griffin is a convicted felon who does not have a valid FOID or CCL.
“It is alleged that earlier this morning, Joshua Griffin, a twice-convicted felon, was found to be illegally in possession of a loaded handgun,” Berlin said. “By law, as a convicted felon Mr. Griffin has forfeited his right to possesses a firearm. Because of his alleged actions Mr. Griffin now finds himself facing a possible penalty of between six to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. I thank the Oak Brook Police Department for their outstanding work that led to the removal of an illegally possessed weapon from our streets and their ongoing efforts in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Michael Pingaj for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Griffin.”
“Our officers remain vigilant in looking beyond traffic stops and taking guns off the street from individuals that do not legally possess them,” Strockis said. “I’d like to thank our team for continuing to be proactive in keeping our community safe. I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance on this case.”
Griffin’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 17, 2025, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
