Schaumburg Police Chief Brian Howerton, whose department was rocked in January when three officers were charged with stealing cocaine and marijuana from drug dealers, announced Tuesday he is retiring.
Howerton, a 32-year department veteran who has served as chief since 2009, also was beset by personal controversy after a former girlfriend last year accused him of stalking her.
In a letter he wrote to village employees, Howerton didn't mention the arrests of his former officers. But he said the time was right for him to retire because he had been "cleared of any criminal charges" stemming from the allegations by ex-girlfriend Dawn Davis.
Earlier this year, Cook County prosecutors determined Howerton hadn't committed any crimes, though a village inquiry into his alleged actions involving Davis still is ongoing.
"There is never a good time to leave an organization you love. But there usually is a right time," Howerton said in his letter. "Now that my name has been cleared of any criminal charges after a yearlong investigation in which I was falsely accused, I have decided that, for me, that time is now."
His resignation comes as the department is still trying to recover from the stunning arrests of former tactical officers Matthew Hudak, Terrance O'Brien and John Cichy.
The three veteran cops were nabbed in a sting operation by federal and DuPage County officials for allegedly seizing drugs from dealers they arrested, then reselling the cocaine and marijuana.
All face a host of charges. The three resigned from the department following their arrests.
Howerton's annual salary as chief is $149,171. He plans to remain on the job until April 5.
A village official praised the job done by Howerton during his time in the police department.
"On behalf of the village, we are grateful for the 32 years of service that Chief Howerton has provided to our community," Village Manager Ken Fritz said in a statement.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:44:55 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:41:10 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:20:15 GMT
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:17 GMT
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
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