St. Charles alderman resigns after exposure plea

With pressure mounting from colleagues on the city council and the mayor suggesting that resigning would be the right thing to do, David Richards has ended his nearly 10 years as a Fifth Ward Alderman in St. Charles.

Richards, who last week pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges in DuPage County that he exposed himself while driving west along North Avenue (Route 64) last July, submitted his official resignation to city officials Sunday night.

Up until Sunday night, Richards told reporters he intended to finish his remaining two years on the council.

He sent an e-mail to constituents Monday morning to inform them of his decision, and that he would not be attending Monday night's council meeting. In explaining that he wanted to move forward and restore his reputation and career, Richards, 59, also told constituents that he accepted a plea deal on the disorderly conduct charge because he could not “financially or physically” continue his legal battle.

St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte confirmed he received the resignation letter from Richards, saying it was a difficult time for Richards and the city.

“I believe David has made a good decision in a difficult situation,” DeWitte said. “In the long run, it was in the best interests of his business and his family, and the city, that he do so.”

Richards has maintained his innocence since the July 16 incident, saying he was merely adjusting his “clothes and person” and that other descriptions given to West Chicago police by a truck driver who filed the complaint were proven to be false.

Calling his actions innocent and stupid, Richards admitted he deserved the disorderly conduct ticket he paid for and three months of supervision, expressing a desire to “get on with his life, and for me and my family to move forward and to begin rebuilding my career and my reputation.”

For those west side constituents he worked closely with regarding their concerns with the proposed Shodeen, Inc. development of the vacant property that was the former site of the St. Charles Mall, Richards stated in his note, “You know me, you know my character. I wanted you to know the truth behind this incident, and I apologize if I have embarrassed you, our ward and our city.

“I will continue to be involved in St. Charles, and fight against all special-interest development.”

Richards has also served the city as the director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, which coordinates activities and events with the city and promotes downtown St. Charles as a shopping and entertainment district.

According to state statute, DeWitte has 60 days to make a recommended appointment to fill the vacancy, and the city council has 30 days to act on the recommendation.