Court upholds West Chicago cop’s dismissal

A DuPage County Circuit Court judge Thursday upheld the firing of a West Chicago police sergeant last year for holding back-to-back “movie nights” on the midnight shift.

Former Sgt. Leonardo Aviles plans to appeal the ruling to the Second District Appellate Court, attorney Joseph Mazzone said.

“He’s going to continue to fight this,” Mazzone said.

The West Chicago Civil Service Commission fired Aviles in June for showing on-duty officers the police thriller “Street Kings” as a reward. The next night, he permitted the showing of another police movie, “Price and Glory,” the commission found.

Judge Terence Sheen, in an eight-page decision, said there was “ample evidence” to support the Civil Service Commission’s action, said Patrick K. Bond, attorney for former police Chief Donald Goncher.

Mazzone didn’t deny the movie nights happened, but said termination is too harsh considering Aviles’ 19 years of service.

“I think ultimately the sergeant will be reinstated,” Mazzone said.

Aviles has not been able to find work since his firing. “He remains unemployed because of the way he was let go by West Chicago,” Mazzone said.