New trial date set for last of accused Schaumburg cops

An April 11 trial date has been set for a former Schaumburg police officer accused with two others of skimming drugs from police seizures and then using an informant to sell the narcotics on the street.

DuPage County Judge Liam Brennan on Tuesday set the new trial date for John Cichy, who had two previous trial dates scheduled and delayed.

Cichy, 34, was arrested in January 2013 along with fellow former officers Matthew Hudak, 33, and Terrance O'Brien, 49.

A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation found evidence that for at least six months the officers stole cocaine and marijuana from dealers and police seizures and then resold the drugs through an informant, authorities said.

The investigation began on Jan. 2, 2013, when police found about 9 ounces of cocaine in a Carol Stream storage unit. The search led to a former police informant who said he'd been helping three Schaumburg officers deal marijuana and cocaine skimmed from busted drug dealers.

During the next two weeks, prosecutors said, investigators captured the officers on video and audio surveillance as they made plans and carried out drug deals, often in police vehicles and while wearing their service weapons.

Both Hudak and O'Brien pleaded guilty to several counts and already are serving their sentences.

In March 2014, O'Brien pleaded guilty to unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, official misconduct, burglary and armed violence. The unlawful delivery and misconduct sentences will run concurrently with the burglary and armed violence sentences. He is serving a 24-year sentence but could be released after 12 years.

Hudak pleaded guilty to identical charges in April 2014 and is serving a 26-year sentence. He could be released after 13 years.

If Cichy proceeds to trial and is found guilty of all counts, he could face as many as 36 years in prison.

Cichy has been free on $25,000 bail since February 2013.