Ex-Joliet Police Lt. Facing 6 Crimes Appears In Kendall Co.

JOLIET, IL - The Joliet Police Department's criminal investigation into the activities of one of their own, Lt. Dennis McWherter, led to two things. First, the 52-year-old McWherter tendered his resignation in November. Second, in late March, criminal charges were brought against McWherter in neighboring Kendall County.

This week, McWherter had his first appearance at the Kendall County Courthouse in Yorkville. He has been charged with the following crimes:

1. Official Misconduct, a Class 3 felony

"Said defendant being a public officer or employee acting in his official capacity, knowingly performed an act which he knew to be forbidden by law to perform, in that he unlawfully possessed hydrocodone, a controlled substance."

2. Official Misconduct, a Class 3 felony

"Said defendant, being a public officer or employee acting in his official capacity, with intent to obtain a personal advantage for himself or another, performed an act in excess of his lawful authority, in that he removed hydrocodone, a controlled substance, from a police department drug drop box and kept it in his personal possession."

3. Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances, a Class 4 felony

"On or about October 29, 2018 ... Dennis McWherter ... unlawfully possessed hydrocodone, a controlled substance," inside of his squad car, the criminal complaint alleges.

4. Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances, a Class 4 felony

"On or about October 29, 2018 ... Dennis McWherter ... unlawfully possessed hydrocodone, a controlled substance," inside of his personal car, the criminal complaint alleges.

5. Unlawful Acquisition of A Controlled Substance, a Class 4 felony

"On or about October 29, 2018 ... Dennis J. McWherter ... unlawfully acquired hydrocodone, a controlled substance, by the use of misrepresentation, fraud or deception."

6. Theft, a Class 4 felony

"On or about October 29, 2018 ... Dennis J. McWherter ... obtained unauthorized control over hydrocodone, the property of the city of Joliet Police Department, intending to deprive the city of Joliet Police Department of the use of the property."

The criminal complaint was filed by Eric Weis of the Kendall County State's Attorney's Office. McWherter's alleged crimes occurred on Caton Farm Road at the Joliet Police Department's west substation.

McWherter's case is before Judge Robert Pilmer. His arraignment will be May 16. The now-retired Joliet Police lieutenant has hired The Tomczak Law Group to represent him.

McWherter spent more than 24 years on the Joliet Police force. He previously worked at the Will County Sheriff's Department, starting there in 1988.