Charges Dropped Against 15 Men Framed By Corrupt Ex-Cop

CHICAGO, IL — Cook Count prosecutors agreed to drop all charges against 15 men who were arrested by a former police sergeant and his officers. The men were convicted between 2003 and 2008 for drug crimes. Charges were dropped in 18 cases brought against the men.

The lead attorney for the 15 men, Joshua Tepfer, filed their petitions in September. The attorney said former Sgt. Ronald Watts and his officers targeted men living in South Side housing projects for over a decade.

Tepfer said the officers framed the men, falsified police reports, planted drugs on them, and at times took their money.

"These convictions stick with you. You can't get the time back you served," Tepfer said. "It affects your ability to get jobs, housing."

Tepfer claimed that the Chicago Police Department's highest ranks knew about the corruption and didn't stop it. He also said the officers continued to operate despite investigations by the state's attorneys office, the FBI, and internal affairs.

Watts and another officer, Kallatt Mohammed, were convicted, but at least seven other officers are still on the force and haven't been charged, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Watts served less than three years.

15 Convictions Tossed In Chicago Police Scandal

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