Charges Announced Against Three Chicago Police Officers

Cook County State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine and the Chicago Police Office of Professional Standards today announced charges against three Chicago Police officers in connection with a tavern fight last December.

Charged were Sgt. Jeffrey Planey, and Patrol Officers Paul Powers and Gregory Barnes, all of whom are assigned to the Harrison Area Gun Team, Planey, 33, was charged with obstruction of justice, aggravated battery and official misconduct in connection with the incident in the early morning hours of Dec. 15 at the Jefferson Tap, 325 N. Jefferson St. Barnes, 39, and Powers, 25, were charged with aggravated battery.

“Conduct such as was displayed by these police officers in this incident are clearly an aberration for the Chicago Police Department, whose officers overwhelmingly conduct themselves with professionalism day in day out,” said Devine. “But when police officers cross the line, they will be held to the same standards as any other citizen breaking the law.”

The charges stem from a joint investigation by Special Prosecutions Bureau of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office and the Chicago Police Office of Professional Standards.

The three officers surrendered Tuesday night at the First District police station.

Official misconduct is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Obstruction of justice is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison. Aggravated battery is also a Class 3 felony. The sentences would be concurrent.

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