Carnival Worker Pleads Guilty in Teen Solicitation Case: Court Watch

James West, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of child pornography and was sentenced to six years in prison, a Cook County State's Attorney's Office spokesman said.

West's girlfriend Lauren Papiez of Oak Lawn was also charged but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was sentenced to probation in August.

Police say the pair sent sexually explicit photos and text messages to the high school student. They were arrested in September 2011 and charged with one count each of indecent solicitation of a child. West was taken into custody at the Oak Lawn Community High School’s fall carnival, where he was operating rides for Spectacular Midway Amusement.

Patch rounds up the Southland's major criminal and civil cases being heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.

COOK COUNTY

ORLAND PARK — Orland Park 'Ghost Rider' Trial Date Set

The case against the Orland Park man who called himself the "Orland Ghost Rider," for weaving in and out of traffic on his motorcyle to evade police and shooting videos of the encounters, will head to trial in November. Justin Jachimiec, 22, has been charged with several felony charges related to the incidents and has pleaded not guilty.

Attorneys Still Exchanging Evidence in Fatal DUI Case

Evidence is still being exchanged in the case against Matthew Senica, a 26-year-old Orland Park man charged with felony aggravated DUI and reckless homicide, for his role in an accident that killed a nurse on her way to work.

TINLEY PARK — Trial Date Set in Outriggers Assault Case

The assault trial of a Mokena man accused in the beating of a Tinley Park restaurant manager will begin in January.

Police say Donovan Campbell, 42, became upset over his bill at Outriggers. Donovan slapped the manager in the face and punched his chest when asked to leave, police said.

Animal Shelter Owner's Sentence Stands, Other Charges Dismissed

A Cook County judge denied a motion to reconsider the sentence of Dawn Hamill, the owner of local animal rescue who was convicted of eight misdemeanor counts of violation of owner's duties.

Charges in two other pending cases related to the 2011 raid on Hamill's property were dismissed.

Attorney Wants Arrest of Victim Nabbed on Weapons Charge During Ashford House Brawl Thrown Out

The arrest of man who was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon during the Ashford House brawl could be tossed out if a Cook County judge rules in favor of a motion by his public defender.

Francis John Gilroy Jr., 65, of West Palm Beach, FL, was reportedly one of the targets during the incident, where five Indiana men were charged in connection with the attack on a suspected white supremacist group. Those .

WILL COUNTY

New Lenox — Coma Victim's Mother Files Lawsuit Against Hospitals

The aggravated battery case of New Lenox's Joseph Messina, 24, who is accused of putting a man in a coma after a bar fight in Mokena three years ago, resulted in a law suit filed Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court.

While Messina's guilt or innocence is yet to be determined, the victim in the fight, 29, of Joliet, suffered massive head trauma. He continues to endure debilitating effects. TheChicago Tribune reported that Bartel's mother filed a law suit against Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Provena St. Joseph's Medical Center in Joliet and doctors; the charge is negligence.

On the Docket for Next Week

TUESDAY

• Former cashier accused of theft from Orland Park high school
• Two men

WEDNESDAY

• New Lenox resident and Bremen teacher charged with fondling students
• Homewood man accused of child sex assault
• Former Orland firefighter charged with possession of child porn

THURSDAY

• Palos teen accused in murder of Palos couple