Mark Shelden
Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and Public Defender George Vargas debate during Tuesday's forum in the Champaign City Council chambers.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

Vargas, Rietz, Spar In Candidates Forum

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and opponent and Assistant Public Defender George Vargas found little to agree on during a candidates' forum Thursday. He alleged "incompetence" on the part of her office, referencing the weekend shootings near the University of Illinois, and why suspect Robbie Patton was allowed to spend time in a Corrections boot camp, and was not imprisoned for a prior incident.

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