Cops: St. Charles alderman exposed self

St. Charles Alderman David Richards is scheduled to appear in court next month on charges he exposed himself while driving on Route 64 in West Chicago.

Richards, 58, of the 1100 block of Millburn Court, was arrested July 21 on a local ordinance violation of disorderly conduct, according to the DuPage County state's attorney's office and West Chicago police. He is due in court Sept. 7.

West Chicago Police Cmdr. Chris Shackelford said officers responded July 16 to a complaint of a "man seen exposing himself while driving on Route 64 in our jurisdiction."

Five days later, he said, Richards was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Neither Richards nor his attorney, Kenneth Johnson, would comment on the allegations Wednesday. But Richards, who was absent from Monday's city council meeting, acknowledged he is considering stepping aside as a 5th Ward alderman.

"We're talking about that at this point," he said.

Richards, a married father of three, was first elected in 2001 after three years on the St. Charles Plan Commission, according to the city website. His term expires in 2013.

Richards has been active in downtown development projects as the former executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. He also spent six years on the Norris Cultural Arts Center board of directors.

St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte said he was aware of Richards' arrest but had no comment.

"We're referring all inquiries to West Chicago police while the issue is still pending," he said.

The case is being handled as a local ordinance violation, which will be prosecuted by attorneys for the city of West Chicago. Shackelford said the state's attorney's office also has been asked to review the matter for "possible additional charges."

He said disorderly conduct, as an ordinance violation, is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.

• Daily Herald staff writer Susan Sarkauskas contributed to this story.