Convicted Indiana Murderer Mistakenly Released From Cook County Jail After Court Appearance

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 1, 2013 3:00PM

The last thing Chicago needs with its murder rate still making national headlines is a story involving a convicted murderer on the streets. But that’s exactly what the Cook County Sheriff’s office did Tuesday. Steven L. Robbins, who’s serving a 60-year sentence in Indiana for murder, was transported to Cook County Jail to face drug-related charges in Illinois. Those charges were dropped, which should have been the end of the story.

Instead, Cook County Jail corrections officers had no paperwork on hand indicating there was a “hold” order for Robbins. After reviewing Robbins’s paperwork, they allowed him to walk out of Cook County Jail. Robbins hasn’t been seen since.

Sheriff Tom Dart’s office admitted the mistake Thursday in a press release.

The Sheriff has ordered an investigation into the facts and circumstances regarding his court appearance and release from custody.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Frank Bilecki said Robbins was still wanted on an “armed violence warrant” for allegedly using a weapon while committing a felony. Arrest warrants have been issued in both Illinois and Indiana for Robbins, who stands 5 feet, five inches tall, weighs approximately 190 pounds and has “Nicole” tattooed on the right side of his neck. The Sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information as to his whereabouts to call 708-865-4915, or 911 if anyone notices him in public.