Another 44 Cases Connected To Crooked Police Sergeant Dismissed

CHICAGO — Another 44 people convicted in criminal cases connected to a crooked police sergeant have had their cases dismissed.

On Friday, Cook County Presiding Judge Erica Reddick granted the case dismissals after Cook County State's Attorney Kim Fox's office did oppose motions to dismiss them as part of her office's review of Watts' misconduct-tainted career.

That brings the total of expunged cases connected to ex-police Sgt. Ronald Watts to 212, according to the state's attorney's office.

“The work to give relief to Watts victims is directly related to our public safety today,” Foxx said. “In order to restore trust in the criminal justice system, as prosecutors, we must approach every case with an eye toward the facts, the evidence, and the law. I’m grateful for the attorneys in this office who continue to seek justice, restore trust, and address the historic inequities of Cook County’s criminal justice system.”

Friday's dismissals were the final outstanding petitions connected to Watts. Still, the investigation continues, prosecutors said.

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