City of Wheaton, IL
Pre-Trial Release Denied for Wheaton Convicted Felon Allegedly Found in Possession of Multiple Firearms
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police P.J. Youker announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Wheaton convicted felon allegedly found in possession of multiple firearms.
Jermaine Morris, 24, (d.o.b. 8/14/2001) of the 900 block of S. Lorraine Road, 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), two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony), and one count of Possession of Burglary Tools (Class 4 Felony).
On Oct. 3, 2025, at approximately 3:09 a.m., the Maywood Police Department responded to a call for a vehicle theft in the 1200 block of Bataan Street. Through the course of their investigation, authorities located the vehicle, a dark blue 2014 Dodge Charger, approximately 10 blocks from where it was stolen. Authorities also learned that a towing company had been hired to tow the Charger to the 1000 block of S. Lorraine Road in Wheaton, approximately one block away from Morris’ residence.
Following further investigation, police identified Morris as a suspect and obtained a search warrant for his home. On Oct. 14, 2025, at approximately 5:45 a.m., officers executed a search warrant at Morris’ residence wherein they allegedly found a stolen Ruger 22 Charger rifle with a drum magazine, a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun, a Polymer80 kit (a kit that contains parts that can be assembled to create a functioning firearm), 13 cell phones, five ghost key fobs and one re-programmer.
“Public safety remains the cornerstone of my office, and the allegation that Mr. Morris unlawfully possessed multiple dangerous weapons is outrageous,” Berlin said. “With multiple felony convictions, Mr. Morris has forever forfeited his right to legally own a firearm. The allegation that Mr. Morris ignored the law and was in possession of multiple firearms will be met with the full force of the law.
“I commend the Wheaton and Maywood Police Departments for their cooperative efforts in this case that removed several dangerous weapons from our streets and for their ongoing commitment to public safety. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Eric Vincent for their work in securing charges against Mr. Morris.”
“Removing dangerous criminals from our communities is a team effort,” Youker said. “The charges against Mr. Morris would not have been possible without strong interagency cooperation and the diligent work of the Wheaton Police Department’s Investigations Unit. I would also like to commend the detectives from the Maywood Police Department for their dedication to this investigation, as well as the support from State’s Attorney Robert Berlin’s office in approving the felony charges against Mr. Morris.”
Morris’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2025, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
Jermaine Morris
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.