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Veteran Elgin Cop Indicted For Allegedly Planting Evidence

ELGIN, Ill. (WBBM) -- A 10-year Elgin Police veteran, who quit the force last week, has been indicted for allegedly planting evidence at a crime scene. WBBM's Bob Roberts has the story.

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Kane County Judge James Hallock set cash bond of $2,500 for the former officer, 53-year-old Michael Sullivan, of Sycamore, pending his surrender.

The five-count indictment accuses Sullivan of planting the evidence near the scene of an April 26 robbery in the hope of winning an assignment to a division other than patrol with the Elgin department.

Sullivan turned himself in May 1 and was placed immediately on administrative duty. He resigned May 3. Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said that Sullivan had only one other blemish on his record -- a minor breach shortly after he joined the force.

Nonetheless, Swoboda called Sullivan's alleged actions "inexcusable" and said they discredit the force.

Prosecutors have opted to drop charges stemming from the April 26 robbery, and Elgin Police will undertake a review of other cases involving Sullivan, although Swoboda said he believes the case to be an isolated incident.

State's Attorney Joe McMahon had little to say about the case, except in a written statement in which he said, "Such allegations are taken seriously because, if true, they threaten the foundation of our criminal justice system."

No court date is set. If convicted of the official misconduct and obstruction of justice charges, he could face as much as five years in prison.

"This incident is wholly inconsistent with the well-deserved reputation for good work the Elgin police department earns every day," Swoboda said. "An officer's word can put people in prison. But when there is doubt about that word, it casts doubt on an entire department."

Swoboda said the accusations required immediate action.

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