St. Charles alderman wants statements to police thrown out

A St. Charles alderman accused of exposing himself while driving is asking a judge to throw out statements he made to police.

David Richards, 59, of the 1100 block of Millburn Court, filed a motion Tuesday in DuPage County Court arguing that West Chicago police violated his rights in a July 21 interview in which he admitted to briefly exposing himself on westbound Route 64.

Defense attorney Kenneth Johnson said police failed to read Miranda warnings to Richards, despite having taken him into official custody.

"I'm alleging they took statements from him in violation of Miranda," Johnson said.

A 5th Ward alderman since 2001, Richards faces a single disorderly conduct ordinance violation, which is being prosecuted by the city of West Chicago.

He was arrested after a semitrailer driver called 911 on July 16 to report a motorist exposing and touching himself inappropriately. According to a police report, Richards told police he was only "adjusting" himself.

On Tuesday, Judge George J. Sotos set arguments for Nov. 9 on Richards' motion to suppress statements.

Richards declined to comment as he left court. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $1,000, authorities said.