LaCheryl Wilson, 61, affectionately known in Oak Lawn as “Crazy Mary,” is in jail on a criminal trespass charge. She was picked up on May 25 and remains in Lew Sterrett Justice Center on a $500 bond.
Wilson has a long arrest record that goes back to 1982 for small charges such as theft of services and criminal trespass on a property or in a building. One arrest lists prostitution. Many of the charges were dismissed and others resolved with an agreement to plead guilty. One charge was no billed, and in another, she was found not guilty by a judge. Court records show she was found incompetent in 1983.
Wilson is homeless and has been a Cedar Springs fixture for more than 30 years.
During the early years of her life on Cedar Springs, she was not treated kindly. Today, most store owners and bar patrons look out for her.
Danny Sikora, owner of Thairrific, said stops in regularly for tea. He always serves her and he said sometimes she even pays him a few cents. She’s often seen resting on the patio at Starbucks on Lemmon and Rawlins and stops in Super Cuts for lotion.
More than 500 people follow her on a Facebook page created to make sure she’s OK. In winter, they’ve gotten her a coat and other times just check on her well-being. A recent post complained about a restaurant that kicked her out.
Police in the area know her and are always gentle with her. If they need to pick her up, they usually transport her to Parkland to stabilize her medication. She’s only taken to jail when a complaint is filed.
Criminal trespass is a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty can be $2,000 or 180 days in jail. Wilson would be unable to pay a fine and is unlikely to receive a 6 month sentence.