Elgin cop charged with planting evidence

A former Elgin police officer has been charged with planting evidence at a robbery scene in an effort to bolster his career and get a promotion, authorities announced Tuesday.

Michael Sullivan, 53, of Sycamore, faces three counts of misconduct and two counts of obstructing justice, Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon and Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda announced Tuesday afternoon.

Sullivan was indicted by a Kane County grand jury earlier in the day and authorities are working with him to turn himself in.

“It really damages the trust we’ve spent years building,” Swoboda said. “One incident by one person by no means reflects on the whole organization.”

Added McMahon: “Such allegations are taken seriously because, if true, they threaten the foundation of our criminal justice system.”

Sullivan, who has been with the department for nearly 10 years, resigned from this $81,300-a-year post on May 3.

His wife said late Tuesday afternoon that he wasn’t home and was unavailable for comment.

The most serious felony charge carries up to five years in prison if convicted, but probation is an option. He also could lose his police pension.

McMahon and Swoboda refused to discuss exactly what evidence Sullivan is accused of planting. They said allegations stemmed from an April 26 robbery in Elgin, but declined to discuss details of the case.

According to Swoboda, Sullivan went to the chief on May 1 and explained what he’d done. “It was on his own volition to come forward,” Swoboda said. “When I’m made aware of misconduct, I act on it swiftly and decisively.”

Sullivan was immediately placed on administrative leave and he resigned two days later.

McMahon said one person was arrested in connection with the robbery and although his office believed it had a solid case, the man was released from jail and the charges dropped because of the allegations against Sullivan.

Swoboda said as a precautionary measure, the department is reviewing other cases Sullivan helped investigate. But because Sullivan went to Swoboda to explain his conduct, Elgin police officials believe this was an isolated case.

“An officer’s word can put people in prison,” Swoboda said. “But when there is doubt about that work, it casts doubt on an entire department, and I will take immediate action to ensure the integrity of the department continues to be maintained at the highest level.”