Earlier this month a Chicago police officer, Richard Fiorito, was placed on administrative leave for allegedly trying to earn extra overtime pay by making false DUI (drunk driving) arrests and for lying on police paperwork. Approximately 2 dozen people have filed federal civil rights lawsuitsagainst Officer Fiorito who allegedly falsely accused homosexual and disabled people of drunk driving. Officer Fiorito worked in the Town Hall district of Lakeview at the time of the actions which gave rise to the complaints.
In addition to the federal civil rights lawsuits, the Chicago Police Department is conducting its own investigation into Officer Fiorito’s actions. The results of the police department’s investigation and the outcome of the lawsuits are still pending.
In the meantime, the alleged victims of Officer Fiorito have suffered. Illinois police officers have a responsibility to treat the people of Illinois fairly and without discrimination and to arrest only those for whom they have probable cause that the person committed a crime.
If an Illinois police officer has failed to treat you fairly and you have suffered from the officer’s actions then you may have the right to file a civil rights lawsuit. Please contact an experienced Illinois civil rights attorney today for additional information.