CPD moves to fire officer linked to Koschman case

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Police Department is moving to fire one officer and discipline two others in a case linked to former Mayor Daley.

These moves by Interim Superintendent John Escalante come 12 years after the death of David Koschman, who was punched and killed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley's nephew Richard Venecko in 2004.

Escalante is moving to fire Lt. Denis Walsh, a 29-year CPD veteran, for allegedly removing and tampering with case files. It's up to the Chicago Police Board to approve his firing.

The department is also seeking a one-year, unpaid suspension for Sgt. Sam Cirone Det. Nicholas Spanos has already received a one-year, unpaid suspension. Both were also involved in closing the case without interviewing witnesses who were with Venecko the night he punched Koschman.

Three other officers who the City Hall inspector general also recommended face disciplinary action will not be punished because they retired.

Dan Herber, the attorney for Walsh and Cirone, issued a statement saying, "I have seen the charges filed at the Police Board against my clients Lt. Denis Walsh and Sgt. Sam Cirone. In all the years I have done this, I have never seen such vague and baseless charges. There is not a single department policy or general order identified as being violated. Anyone from the Chicago Police Department who signed off on these charges should be embarrassed."

The first hearing for Walsh and Cirone will take place Feb. 23.