Former City Official Dies in Apparent Suicide, Police Say

David Baitman was facing trial on allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in September 2011.

UPDATE: Former City Attorney's House 'Completely Destroyed' Inside, Police Say

David Baitman, who was accused of sexually attacking a woman in 2011, was found dead inside his Oak Forest home Tuesday night.

Update 11:35 a.m. Officers found David Baitman unresponsive in the home’s attic at around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police. The inside of the single-story house was “completely destroyed,” according to an Oak Forest police report. A rope noose was tied to a rafter in the attic where Baitman was found and several alcoholic beverages were on a nearby ledge. Baitman, who was awaiting trial on accusations he sexually assaulted a woman in his home, was pronounced dead at the scene by an Ingalls Hospital doctor police had called. Baitman’s daughter, Tiffany Zaba, had requested a well-being check and called Cook County probation officers to the home, according to the report. Baitman was on electronic home monitoring awaiting the trial and …

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Court Watch: Attorneys for Youth Soccer Coach to Review Kid-Porn Photos

Also, Oak Lawn woman in child porn case is allowed to visit her niece, and an accused sexual assailant is told to keep wearing his electronic monitor.

The Southland's major criminal and civil cases heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week. FRANKFORT — Because some of the evidence against Darrell Stephenson may include pictures of a naked child, defense attorneys expect to meet with prosecutors at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office by Jan. 12, 2012, and review the state’s case. Accused of having sexual contact with a boy half his age, Stephenson, 24, is charged with multiple counts related aggravated criminal sexual abuse and possession of child porn. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail on bail totaling $90,000. He once coached youth soccer in Frankfort and surrounding communities, according to prosecutors. OAK LAWN — A 20-year-old Oak Lawn woman charged with…

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Former Village Attorney Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault, Kidnap

David Baitman, who's being tracked electronically after posting bail, is charged with 22 counts in connection with a sexual attack last year.

An attorney and former Village of Oak Forest hearing officer pleaded not guilty on Thursday to kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman. David Baitman, 59, who once oversaw the municipal ticket court in Oak Forest, has been charged with 22 counts related to sexual assault and kidnapping. Cook County Judge John J. Hynes gave Baitman permission to visit his teenage daughter, who was present in court Thursday and who was included against her will in an order of protection. The woman Baitman is accused of assaulting babysits his daughter on occasion, according to Baitman’s attorney, Cheryl Shroeder. Oak Forest police said Baitman attacked the 51-year-old woman as she was moving out of his home in September 2011. He’s accused of handcuffing …

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Dee Runaas

11:43 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012

I beg to differ - it cost him his life - but it sounds like his life was over before he ended it himself!   more ›

Oak Forest Attorney Accused of Sexual Attack Will Not Be Returning to City Role

David Baitman, a local attorney and the city's hearing officer, has been terminated from his role with the city, said City Clerk Scott Burkhardt.

An Oak Forest attorney accused of gagging, blindfolding and sexually assaulting a woman has been relieved of his role as Oak Forest's hearing officer, City Clerk Scott Burkhardt said Tuesday. An arrest warrant was issued Sept. 13 for David Baitman, 59, who is accused of a sexual assault on a 51-year-old woman in his home, Sun-Times Media reported Tuesday. His bail was set at $300,000. "He will not be returning to the city," Burkhardt said. Baitman was responsible for local court hearings, including local ordinance and parking ticket cases. Through the next two hearing dates, the city's attorney will observe the hearing dates. He will observe procedures and suggest changes, if necessary. The immediate circumstances allow the city to do that…

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Oak Forest Attorney Accused of Sexual Attack

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joan M. O’Brien has issued a warrant for David Baitman, an Oak Forest attorney who allegedly handcuffed and sexually assaulted a woman last week at his home, according to Sun-Times Media.