Former cop guilty again in 2005 bar brawl

A former Richmond police officer pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanor charges for his role in a brawl, ending a five-year saga that started outside a Fox Lake bar, went through two trials and an appellate court reversal.

Brian Quilici, 38, pleaded guilty to two downgraded misdemeanor charges, aggravated assault and attempted misconduct, and was fined $3,000 and given one year probation in a plea agreement accepted by McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather.

“We're happy it's over. It's been five years long,” said Quilici's attorney, Vince Solano. “Brian's not happy with the outcome and still doesn't think he should have been found guilty. He hopes to put this behind him.”

Quilici and two other former officers were charged with handcuffing and beating a Wisconsin man on Feb. 20, 2005 outside KC's Cabin in Fox Lake.

Ryan Hallett was beaten so badly he needed a plate inserted in his face to repair the damage. He later was awarded $450,000 after a civil trial judgment against Quilici and the Richmond Police Department.

Quilici resigned from the police force and served two years in prison after being convicted in 2006 of two counts of aggravated battery, mob action, official misconduct and obstructing justice. At trial, he argued that Hallett pulled a knife, took a woman hostage and the off-duty officers had to act.

Ronald Pilati and Jerome Volstad, both former Spring Grove officers, struck a deal in July 2008, pleading guilty to misdemeanors and serving 54 days in jail.

Quilici served his sentence, but successfully argued for a new trial, saying the trial judge wrongly told jurors Quilici was out of his jurisdiction the night of the attack.

Ryan Blackney, McHenry County assistant state's attorney, said Friday that even if Quilici was retried and convicted, he would not have served additional prison time because he already served two years.

“The plea agreement will prevent Mr. Quilici from ever wearing a police officer uniform again,” Blackney added.