Ex-Joliet housing official avoids prison after pleading guilty to felony drug charge

A former Joliet housing authority official was able to avoid prison time after pleading guilty to felony cocaine possession.

On Monday, Robert Hernandez, 63, of Joliet, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine on Jan. 26, 2024, in Joliet.

Hernandez also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of a no-contact stalking order on Feb. 14, 2024.

Hernandez was sentenced to 24 months of probation for unlawful cocaine possession and 24 months of court supervision for violating the no-contact stalking order.

Hernandez was once a commissioner for the Housing Authority of Joliet before stepping down in 2019.

He has also been vocal about his support of former Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk at Joliet City Council meetings and supported his reelection bid in 2023.

During Hernandez’s arrest on Feb. 14, 2024, he taunted one of the officers, according to police body camera video.

“What’s his name? I got to have his name so I do my next live feed on him,” said Hernandez, who’s known for his Facebook videos on breaking news.

While the audio of officer’s response was mostly redacted, he said to Hernandez “task force” and “FBI.”

“Alright, that’s fine. You don’t have to say FBI a million times,” Hernandez said.

“I’m just going to let you know who you’re talking about when you do your live feed,” the officer said.

Joliet police officials have not commented on whether the FBI is involved in the investigation of Hernandez. They have disclosed few details about their investigation of Hernandez’s cellphones.