Amid murder trial, lawmaker calls for stiffer penalties for those who hurt DCFS workers

(The Center Square) – As the trial continues for a man accused of murdering a Department of Children and Family Service worker, an Illinois lawmaker is highlighting legislation to better protect Department of Children and Family Services workers.

Benjamin Reed is accused in the 2022 stabbing death of Diedre Silas when she was checking on the welfare of a child in Thayer.

During the podcast “Capital Crimes,” State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, said in many cases, law enforcement will accompany a DCFS worker, but it is not always the case.

“There are other times when DCFS workers visiting a home without law enforcement involvement and they are often in a situation where they are at risk of physical harm,” said Windhorst.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, filed two bills that would increase protections for DCFS workers by making the crime a Class 2 felony, but has had little success convincing the Democratic majority in the Illinois House.

“I’ve been trying to pass a bill for a murdered, slaughtered DCFS worker since 2017, and we’re told day after day and year after year under this dome that we cannot allow for penalty enhancements,” said McCombie on the House floor. “This is such B.S.”

The bills are named the Knight-Silas Acts for two female DCFS workers: Pamela Knight, who was killed in 2017 in Dixon when attempting to take a child into protective custody and Silas.

McCombie said these bills have been a priority for her and has been vocal about the necessary changes needed at the troubled state agency under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s lead, where countless children have died in the state's care.

“There is no shortage of issues we must address at DCFS, but ensuring the safety of the employees who work day and night to protect our most vulnerable is the top priority – and my legislation will help make that a reality,” said McCombie. “Pam Knight and Deidre Silas were killed in the line of duty, and more must be done so that tragedies like this don’t continue to happen.”