Faced with disciplinary hearing, South Elgin cop quits

A South Elgin sergeant resigned on the eve of a hearing to remove him from the police force after allegations of violating "departmental rules."

David Sharp quit his job late last week, forcing a hearing scheduled for Monday to be canceled.

Police Chief Christopher Merritt brought the allegations against Sharp, a six-year department veteran, last October after an internal investigation and placed him on paid administrative leave.

Merritt said Sharp was placed on unpaid leave in December; the chief declined further comment on the case because he was supposed to be called as a witness at the hearing.

Tim O'Neil, the attorney representing Sharp, said his client was accused of a violation of "departmental rules."

O'Neil said he could not comment specifically on the "rules" or on his client's case because personnel matters are protected under state law.

Asked why his client resigned before having his case heard, O'Neil replied: "Let's put it this way, if you think someone's out to get you and you fight to retain your job, you're going to have cross hairs on your back."

Dina Kapernekas, a Chicago-based attorney hired by the village for the disciplinary case against Sharp, also declined to talk about the case.

"We have no comment on behalf of the village of South Elgin," she said. "I have no comments for reporters. Thank you."