Judge sentences Des Plaines woman to jail time, probation for striking officer

Cook County prosecutor Mike Gerber referenced law enforcement officers everywhere when he requested prison time for a Des Plaines woman convicted last month of aggravated battery to a police officer and DUI.

“Not to sound cliched, but these officers go out every day putting their lives on the line,” said Gerber. “There is a reason aggravated battery to a police officer is a class 2 felony.”

Cook County Judge Thomas Fecarotta Monday sentenced Carmelita Ceja to 30 days in Cook County Jail and 30 months probation, with the first year intensive probation. A class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven years in prison. Probation is also available.

Ceja, 34, claimed she acted in self-defense after she said officers pushed and swore at her. Prosecutors say Ceja was the aggressor and that she scratched, kicked and pushed the officers as they attempted to subdue her in the Palatine police station’s booking room following her October 2010 arrest in the vicinity of Rand Road and Evergreen Drive.

Defense attorney Constantine Vass Vassilakopoulous disputed prosecutors’ characterization of Ceja.

“My client is not a violent person,” he said.

“It’s an unfortunate event for her,” he added. “We will respect the jury’s decision and she will move forward.”

Fecarotta’s sentence sends a clear message, Gerber said.

“The brutalization of our police officers will not be tolerated,” he said.