Police officers are supposed to uphold the law and protect citizens. The Chicago Police Department’s former Special Operations Section not only failed to uphold the law but its officers are accused of making unlawful arrests, stealing and lying to cover up the transgressions of other officers.
Last week, Margaret Hopkins became the fifth officer to plead guilty in the investigation into the actions of the Special Operations Section. Ms. Hopkins admits to participating in at least 3 unauthorized searches and arrests and to lying to investigators. In return for her cooperation, she was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 2 years probation.
The Chicago Police Department Special Operations Section was an elite group of officers that were thought to be some of the finest officers on the force. However, the unit was disbanded because many of the officers were accused of targeted Hispanic drug dealers and others and stealing money from them during illegal searches.
While the state and federal governments pursue their investigations and criminal charges against the officers of the Special Operations Section, individuals who were victims of these officers have the right to bring civil lawsuits in order to recover money that was stolen from them and to seek restitution for the harm that they suffered.
If you have been a victim of the Special Operations Section, or any other unit of an Illinois police department, then please contact an Illinois civil rights attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation.