North Chicago has fired a police officer who was accused of handcuffing and threatening a child, though officials say the firing was for an unrelated reason.
Through the Fraternal Order of Police, Officer Casimir "Casey" Rincon has filed a grievance disputing his firing. The police union contract requires that the case be decided by an arbitrator.
Police Chief James Jackson said the termination was for taking property from another police officer. Jackson described the conduct as "outrageous," though he would not give details.
The north suburb notified Rincon of his termination the day after Christmas, city attorney Chuck Smith said. A hearing is expected this month, with a decision in 60 to 90 days, Smith said.
In November, a lawsuit accused Rincon of making an unauthorized, surprise visit to a boy's school, handcuffing him, slamming him against a locker and warning him to stay away from Rincon's son.
Stephen Potts, the attorney who filed the suit, issued a statement by email:
"We certainly feel this is in some measure an indication of how the city views the allegations because we believe that his dismissal is in part based on our claim. However, it makes us wonder why the city did not act swifter when these allegations were initially raised in removing Officer Rincon from active duty until its investigation was finalized."
City officials said they interviewed students and school officials but could not confirm the allegations.
The chief said that after disciplinary actions for various offenses, there have been no further claims of police brutality that plagued the department before his arrival last year.
"After seeing these consequences for past behavior," he said, "I think it's turning the ship around."
Rincon could not be reached for comment.
Copyright 2013 - Chicago Tribune
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
