Deputy Failed To Investigate Domestic, Offer Help To Victim: Cops

LAKE COUNTY, IL – A former Lake County Sheriff's Office deputy faces official misconduct charges for failing to report a domestic altercation that occurred last fall, authorities said Friday. Leonard Patterson, of the 1100 block of Knight Court in Port Barrington, was taken into custody Friday morning following an investigation by sheriff's office detectives. The allegations stem from a Nov. 5, 2017 domestic altercation where Patterson, who was an on-duty at the time, was called to the scene to investigate.

Waukegan Police Department officers requested Patterson's assistance after they arrived and learned the domestic altercation actually occurred in the sheriff's office's jurisdiction. Waukegan officers said a male and female got into a fight while traveling in a vehicle in the area of Green Bay Road and York House in Beach Park. The male, who was driving at the time, struck the female in the face, authorities said.

The domestic battery suspect pulled his vehicle into a parking lot in the 2900 block of Belvidere Road in Waukegan, police said. The female got out of the vehicle and then asked a good Samaritan to call for help.

When Patterson arrived at the scene, he did not conduct "any sort of investigation" and also did not make any effort to speak with either parties involved, police said. The sheriff's office investigation into the misconduct allegations also revealed Patterson failed to provide any help to the victim. In fact, authorities said, he encouraged her to get back into the car with the domestic battery suspect and leave the scene.

"Under normal circumstances, law enforcement is required to conduct an investigation, speak to witnesses, the victim, the offender. If evidence of a domestic battery is obtained, make an arrest," Lake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Christopher Covelli told Patch in an e-mail response.

The sheriff's office learned of Patterson's failure to act and launched an investigation into the incident. Patterson was placed on administrative leave and "relieved of his police powers," according to a news release.

The investigation into the misconduct revealed "Patterson recklessly failed to perform duties required by law" when he did not arrest the alleged abuser, failed to offer the victim adequate information or any referral to an accessible service agency and did write up a police report.

A $50,000 arrest warrant was issued for Patterson's arrest. Patterson turned himself in to authorities Friday morning, according to a news release. He appeared in court Friday morning where his bail was set at $10,000. He has been released from custody after posting his bond.

Patterson was hired as a police officer in December 2008. Disciplinary proceedings regarding Patterson’s employment status are ongoing.

Covelli said the sheriff's office did end up following up on the domestic altercation from last fall. Detectives spoke with the victim and she "did not want to pursue the matter or provide a statement." The case was reviewed by the state's attorney's office.

"... ultimately criminal charges were declined in the follow-up investigation," Covelli said.

Patterson is due back in court on April 5.

Photo via the Lake County Sheriff's Office