City Remains Tight-lipped Regarding Internal Police Disputes

Joliet city officials have avoided answering specific questions regarding an internal dispute between multiple officers. According to an article by The Herald News, Officers Brian Nagra and Lionel Allen have been recommended for termination by Joliet Police Chief Al Roechner.

Lionel Allen believes he was recommended for firing because he spoke out against an officer’s alleged racism. Allen filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2016 following the incident. According to The Herald News, Allen also alleged that former Police chief Brian Benton promised to not fire him if he withdrew the complaint he had filed. While he has not made an official media statement, Benton and city officials have denied Allen’s allegations in court filings.

As for Officer Brian Nagra, he was stripped of his powers and assigned to desk duty in September. Officials have not discussed the reason in which he is being recommended for termination. Roechner has not made any statements about Nagra or Allen.

According to Felix Sarver of The Herald News, Mayor Robert O’Dekirk did not respond to phone calls but did however respond to emailed questions.

“In regard to any ongoing litigation, any allegation needs to be proven and it is contrary to the interests of the city of Joliet to prejudge the outcome or comment on the allegations,” O’Dekirk. He went on to say that if any allegations were true and had any merit the police chief and the police and fire commission should address the issues.

In addition to Allen and Nagra, there are also several other internal disputes ongoing with other officers. Officer Cassandra Socha is suing the city and another detective for violating privacy and constitutional violations, and Officer Nicholas Crowley is being sued by two men over past arrests.