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Dolton Police Officer Convicted of Excessive Force, Civil Rights Violations
CHICAGO — Kevin Fletcher, a south suburban Dolton police officer, was convicted today of federal civil rights charges for using excessive force against two victims outside a Dolton nightclub in May 2009.
Fletcher, 35, of South Holland, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The evidence at trial showed that at approximately 2 a.m. on May 17, 2009, Fletcher used an expandable metal police baton as a dangerous weapon to strike two victims, Michael McPherson and Laurence Williams, once each in the head. Both victims suffered bodily injury and required hospital treatment and staples to close their head wounds.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tinos Diamantatos and Megan Cunniff Church argued to the jury that Fletcher was offended by the victims’ cursing at him as he directed them to depart the Chicago Road area after leaving the nightclub, and then abused his authority by striking them each over the head with his baton to ‘teach them a lesson.’
Fletcher made no effort or attempt to arrest either victim and departed the scene after striking them with his baton, without rendering or summoning any medical aid. Both victims, as well as Fletcher, testified at the trial.
The guilty verdict was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Fletcher was ordered to return to court at 9:45 a.m. Monday for a hearing on the government’s motion to revoke his bond before U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo. Sentencing was set for 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 16.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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