Sources: CPD officers in custody, questioned by FBI

John Garcia Image
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sources: CPD officers in custody, questioned by FBI
Sources tell ABC7 Eyewitness News that several Chicago police officers have been taken into custody and are being questioned by the FBI as part of a year-long investigation.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Sources tell ABC7 Eyewitness News that several Chicago police officers have been taken into custody and are being questioned by the FBI as part of a year-long federal investigation.

No charges have yet been filed, and the officers have not yet appeared in court. Sources said they have been stripped of their police powers.

Sources told Eyewitness News the officers all are part of a gang tactical unit. Several have been taken into custody and have been questioned at FBI headquarters. Eyewitness News was told a sergeant is among those in custody.

The officers have not been charged with any crime yet, but the action was reportedly the result of a nearly year-long investigation by the FBI that was reportedly sparked by a source who told federal agents the officers were stealing cash and drugs from him. The tip-off reportedly led to an investigation of the unit.

The officers were reportedly caught in the act on video on several occasions.

A police spokesperson refused to confirm details but issued a statement saying, "Integrity and accountability are paramount to the Chicago Police Department and we work hard everyday to build and safeguard public trust. To that end, we can not comment on any investigation - internal or otherwise - until or unless criminal charges are filed."

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office said there is no word on if and when charges will be filed.