Crime & Safety
2 Men Being Held in Glencoe Home Invasion
Cousin of gunman charged, worked as handyman at house before March 14 robbery scheme.
Glencoe authorities have arrested a second Indiana man who is accused of being part of a March 14 home invasion and ransom scheme. One of the men who was armed held a 6-year-old child as a hostage overnight.
James E. Meeks, 39, of Gary, IN, was charged March 25 with home invasion and aggravated kidnapping. He was extradited without incident from the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Ind., and he is now being held in the Cook County jail in Chicago on a $5 million bond.
His arrest follows the apprehension of his cousin, Curtis J. Cobb, 38, of Griffith, Ind., on March 18. Cobb has also been charged with home invasion and aggravated kidnapping, according to the Glencoe Public Safety Department.
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On March 14, police said Meeks came into a home in the 100 block of Crescent Drive holding a gun and wearing a mask. A mother and her daughter were home at the time, and police said that Meeks held the girl captive until the woman wire transferred of large amounts of cash.
Meeks, who also allegedly stole jewelry and cameras from the house, took off with Cobb the following day.
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Police said Cobb pretended to be a hostage, but in fact set up the crime. He was described as a family acquaintance, having worked as a handyman at the home. However, authorities said Cobb knew that the woman's husband would be out of the country when the intrusion occurred.
Deputy Police Chief Al Kebby told worried neighbors that the scheme was a "targeted situation" in order to allay their fears, according to an early news report.
