Chicago man arrested after allegedly sending threatening emails to Illinois State Senator

FREEPORT, Ill. – A Chicago man is in custody after police say he sent threatening emails to an Illinois State Senator.

Joseph Haggerty, 59, of Chicago, is charged with two counts of Threatening a Public Official, a Class 4 Felony.

Allegations.

On Sep. 2, police say Haggerty sent an email to Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney threatening to, ‘cave his [fucking] teeth in and make [him] sip [his] food through a straw for the rest of [his] dumb [assholes] coward life,’ according to the criminal complaint we obtained Wednesday.

In addition, police say Haggerty sent State Sen. Chesney another email threatening that, ‘I only hope I can stand next to you at some point because you would be sipping your food through a [fucking] straw for the rest of your miserable cowardice [fucking] life,’ according to the complaint.

State Sen. Chesney released a statement Tuesday:

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations for their professionalism, diligence, and swift action throughout this case,” said Chesney. “Their commitment to public safety is exemplary, and I am grateful to know that Mr. Haggerty will be held accountable for these felony crimes. It is deeply troubling that an inspector for the City of Chicago issued violent threats against a sitting public official, and such conduct must be met with the seriousness it deserves.”

Chesney is a Republican who represents District 45, which covers most of northwest Illinois. He assumed office in Jan. 2023 and is running for re-election in 2026.

What’s next?

Haggerty appeared in Stephenson County court Wednesday where he pled Not Guilty to the charges, court records show.

On Wednesday, a judge granted prosecutors’ request to deny pretrial release. Haggerty will remain in custody at the Stephenson County Jail, court records show.

A hearing for a Motion to Reconsider is set for Dec 1 at 1 p.m. in Stephenson County.

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