Patrick O'Shea Continues Campaign after Son's Cocaine Arrest

Patrick O'Shea's campaign organizers are hoping voters will stay focused on his race for Circuit Court Judge rather than the recent news of his son's drug arrest.

On Thursday, March 1 around 9:30 p.m., 18-year-old Collin O'Shea was arrested in Lombard for allegedly selling narcotics to another individual, according to Paul Darrah, DuPage County State's Attorney communications manager. Campaign Coordinator and Addison Township Republicans Chairman Patrick Durante said Patrick "is going to continue on with his campaign." Durante would not comment further on the "personal" matter but said he hopes it will not affect the campaign.

Patrick O'Shea has served as a DuPage County board member for more than 20 years. He is now seeking office for Circuit Court Judge in DuPage County and is endorsed by DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, among others, who were not available for comment on the recent news. 

According to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, Collin was released from jail after posting 10 percent of the $75,000 bond Monday morning. As of Tuesday evening, records show a public defender as Collin's attorney of record. 

In a statement to the press, his father Patrick said he and family members were deeply saddened by his son's arrest. 

"My son's contact with the legal system will undoubtedly change his life and our lives forever. Now, I will have to do the hardest thing I've ever done—I will have to tell my young daughter about her brother."

Collin O'Shea has no prior criminal history in DuPage County and faces one count of manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), a Class 1 Felony that is non-probational, according to Darrah, which means he could face four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for allegedly selling more than one but less than 15 grams of cocaine.