NW Illinois News

Li Arellano, the State Senator for Illinois District 37, expressed hope that the federal investigation into Mabley Development Center will lead to solutions benefiting both residents and employees. He shared this sentiment in a Facebook post on March 28.

"I am aware of the DOJ's investigations into the Mabley Development Center, as well as other centers across our state," said Li Arellano Jr, according to Facebook. "I have also had the recent opportunity to hear concerns from involved family members and citizens, and those conversations will continue. My hope is that through the federal investigation, issues will be brought to light and real solutions will be put in place to benefit the staff and the resident population. As we move through budget negotiation season at the statehouse, I will continue to advocate for funding to support our developmentally disabled community."

According to a letter dated March 13 from the Illinois Department of Human Services to employees at the Choate Developmental Center, obtained by Capitol News Illinois, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating several centers in Illinois, including the Jack Mabley Development Center in Dixon. In the letter, Tonya Piephoff, Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, said that the investigation focuses on whether Illinois unnecessarily institutionalizes adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It also examines whether individuals at these facilities are exposed to abuse and neglect due to institutional conditions. The investigation is expected to continue through summer or fall, with DOJ visits planned for Mabley, Shapiro, Choate, and other centers.

Screenshot of State Senator Li Arellano's March 28 Facebook post | State Senator Li Arellano Jr.'s Facebook page

The Metropolis Planet reported that this is not the first time Illinois' developmental centers have been under scrutiny. In 2007, Choate was investigated; in 2009, a report revealed failures in helping residents transition into community settings and inadequate protection from abuse and neglect. The DOJ's monitoring of that investigation concluded in 2013.

In 2023, according to Capitol News Illinois, Mabley Development Center faced controversy when it received two "immediate jeopardy" tags from the Illinois Department of Public Health. These tags threatened its federal funding in October 2023 after incidents involving resident physical abuse and failure to address a Shigella bacterial outbreak. An investigation and visit by health officials led to a reinspection on October 11, which resulted in the removal of these tags.

Arellano previously served as mayor of Dixon starting in 2015. During his tenure, he focused on fiscal integrity restoration, infrastructure improvement, and economic development. According to his website, after fulfilling his goals as mayor and honoring term limits by not seeking reelection for a third term, he returned to private business ventures. Arellano owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop called The Frosted Spoon, and a commercial property leasing company. Additionally, he serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves with the 317th Engineer Construction Company in Homewood, Illinois.