Kankakee Times

An Illinois State Police criminal investigation regarding $4,000 in cash missing from evidence has been closed, but questions remain for some regarding the money and other findings painting the Watseka Police Department in an unflattering light.

The investigation, requested by Watseka Police Chief Jeremy Douglas, revealed some troubling issues within the department including how $4,000 could wind up unaccounted for. Illinois Leaks reported on the matter and asked Mayor John Allhands three questions that went unanswered. The news source wanted to know if the mayor had read the investigation; if the mayor condoned officers refusing to cooperate in the investigation; and, if the mayor did not condone the action, what course of action was planned?

The investigation indicated officers opted not to take part in a polygraph test through advise of their union representative. That extended into taking part in interviews. Investigator Sgt. Ken Massey received a call from Illinois Fraternal Order of Police attorney Jeff Burke and was advised an officer, Ryan Garfield, and other WPD officers who were members of the FOP would not be interviewed according to the investigative report. Former Mayor Robert Harwood indicated to ISP he understood the suspects had “lawyered up.”

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The investigation was concluded with no physical evidence found in the theft, which may have occurred up to 17 months prior to the investigation.

Illinois Leaks also reported that Massey discovered in the investigation an examination of audit revealed other cash was possibly missing. He was unable to tell for certain, attributing it to poor bookkeeping on the part of the department. There was also evidence unaccounted for.

Among those interviewed was former Police Chief Roger Lebeck, who retired in January 2016 when Douglas was a sergeant. When asked by Massey what he believed happened to the money, Lebeck stated he believed, “Somebody snagged it.” Watseka Police Department secretary Kendra Warner further condemned the police department’s organizational standards when she told Massey a lack of organization in the WPD as a whole most likely contributed to the missing currency.”

The issue is just the latest headache for Douglas, who agreed to a 15-day suspension for violating department rules and regulations amid sexual harassment and retaliation charges, the Daily Journal reported.