A former Elmhurst College student who claimed she had been attacked on campus because she is a Muslim pleaded not guilty Monday to falsifying a police report.
Safia Jilani, 19, was charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly telling police she had been attacked by a masked gunman on Oct. 9 after speaking at a diversity rally at the private, west suburban college. Authorities ultimately concluded Jilani concocted that story and filed the criminal charge against the sophomore, who has since been expelled from the college.
Her attorney said Jilani is "in treatment'' but wouldn't disclose any details, though he said that could have some bearing on the case against her. "I just hope the public withholds judgment on her actions until all the facts are known and all her treatment is done," defense attorney Terry Ekl said.
Police said Jilani told investigators she was attacked in a school restroom by a gunman after she found anti-Muslim graffiti scrawled on a mirror there.
Jilani, who has no prior criminal history, is free on bail. She left the brief hearing without commenting. She faces a maximum 3-year prison sentence if convicted, though she also is eligible for probation. |