Lake County Gazette

The Lake Forest Podcast has voiced strong criticism against Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart after the light sentencing of Zachary I. Dubofsky, a 27-year-old Glenview resident involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Lake Forest.

Dubofsky received a sentence of probation and periodic imprisonment for striking and killing a 62-year-old pedestrian with a Ford F-150 pickup truck on November 12, 2020.

The podcast's Facebook post reflects widespread discontent with Rinehart's handling of public safety issues, calling for his removal in the upcoming election. The incident prompted an intensive investigation by Lake County law enforcement agencies and resulted in a negotiated plea deal with Dubofsky, who pleaded guilty to his charge.

“Here’s a great example right here in Lake Forest of why our great police officers (and anyone else who cares about public safety) have no respect for Rinehart and want him voted out next year,” the Lake Forest Podcast said on Facebook.

Dubofsky received a sentence of probation and periodic imprisonment for his involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 62-year-old pedestrian in Lake Forest.

Dubofsky was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death, a Class 1 felony, after he struck the victim with a Ford F-150 pickup truck on November 12, 2020. The incident occurred near the intersection of North Mayflower Road and Rosemary Road, prompting a collaborative investigation by the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team, Lake County Major Crime Task Force, and Lake Forest Police Department.

After substantial progress in the case, including the recovery of video evidence and witness testimonies, Dubofsky was arrested in April 2021 and subsequently entered a negotiated plea deal, pleading guilty to his charge. In a recent sentencing hearing, Lake County Judge James Booras handed down a verdict of 48 months of probation, 36 months of periodic imprisonment, 200 hours of public service, and various other conditions for Dubofsky.

Lake & McHenry County Scanner noted the “periodic imprisonment” deal.

“The driver of a pickup truck who fatally struck a 62-year-old pedestrian and left him to die in Lake Forest has been sentenced to probation and periodic imprisonment,” Lake & McHenry County Scanner said on Facebook.

Rinehart faces political vulnerability in the upcoming election as Keith Brin, Chairman of the Lake County Republican Party, criticizes his emphasis on political agendas within his role.

Brin expressed concerns over Rinehart's prioritization of politics over his responsibilities as state's attorney, particularly in his support for the SAFE-T Act and his refusal to collaborate with state's attorneys of differing political beliefs.

The Lake County Republicans released a press statement urging voters to reject Rinehart's re-election bid, citing his far-left agenda and lack of alignment with everyday Illinoisans.