Glitter Bombs And Fake Profiles: 2 Cleared, Ex-Sergeant Charged After Orland Park PD Probe

ORLAND PARK, IL — After a months-long private investigation into a former Orland Park police sergeant's claims of retaliation, discrimination and harassment by leadership, two names have been cleared, and another former sergeant is facing charges.

In a release detailing a complicated web of conflicting complaints that pitted a then-sergeant against a deputy chief, officials said those filed by the now-former Sgt. Bill Sanchez against Deputy Chief Brian West "appear to have been made in bad faith." Deputy Chief Brian West's claims against Sanchez, however, were substantiated, officials said, leading to disciplinary action and ultimately, Sanchez's termination.

In his complaint, Sanchez alleged racial discrimination, harassment and retaliation, naming both Chief Eric Rossi and Deputy Chief Brian West. Sanchez, who identifies as Hispanic, claims that in not promoting him in rank as efficiently as his Caucasian colleagues, Rossi and West discriminated against him. The investigation proved otherwise, officials said.

"Police Chief Eric Rossi and Deputy Chief Brian West did not engage in any improper behavior," Village officials said in the release.

Officials went on to decry Sanchez and his claims.

"Police officers are correctly held to the highest standards of honesty and integrity and are expected to be always truthful," officials said. "These principles are non-negotiable in the pursuit of justice and public service. Unfortunately, the independent investigation found that Sanchez did not uphold these high standards and attempted to undermine the Police administration."

Village of Orland Park officials in July 2023 hired an outside firm to investigate the claims of discrimination and harassment leveled against the department. Officials declined to identify the complainant at that time, stating they were, "honoring the request of the complainant not to divulge information regarding this matter at this time."

In its statement Thursday, the Village blasted Sanchez for disclosing details about the claims before the investigation was completed.

"Despite Sanchez’s request to the Village to maintain discretion in this matter, Sanchez disclosed the complaint and investigation," officials said, citing an Orland Park Patch article. "The Village believes it to be a priority during an employment investigation to protect the privacy, reputations, and identities of all involved, particularly the accused, and that providing names of involved individuals before the investigation has been completed is inappropriate."

With media inquiries into the status of the investigation, officials said they had agreed to provide additional information at the conclusion, "which is why this information is now being made available."

Glitter Bombs and Fake Facebook Profiles

As the investigation was in progress, Deputy Chief Brian West claimed he faced ongoing harassment, then filing a subsequent police report that led to a criminal investigation.

The allegations were lodged against retired Orland Park Police Sgt. Ken Kovac, who police say created fake Facebook profiles purporting to be West, then used them to defame West.

Kovac is accused of "creating two fake Facebook pages that impersonated Deputy Chief Brian West, by misusing personal photographs, engaging in activities that misrepresented West’s identity, and using an offset of the last name of Deputy Chief West.

"The fraudulent Facebook pages utilized personal photos of Deputy Chief West that were copied from the Official Orland Park Facebook page and another photo that was copied from the Facebook pages of acquaintances. The fraudulent Facebook pages posted comments on Village of Orland Park social media sites while also soliciting friend requests from Orland Park Police employees and other citizens, portraying the likeness of Deputy Chief of Police Brian West."

West reported that he'd "previously been informed of and witnessed demeaning comments" from Kovac's social media posts.

Police said West was also sent an anonymous glitter bomb at the police headquarters, and in January 2024, "was contacted by a suicide prevention hotline as a result of a spoofed call."

The Village on Thursday defended West and his claims.

"Deputy Chief West is a 52-year resident of the Village of Orland Park with over 30 years of dedicated service with the Orland Park Police Department who epitomizes the principles of public service," officials said Thursday. "Deputy Chief West's apprehensions were treated with the utmost seriousness and underwent a thorough investigation."

Kovac served the Orland Park Police Department from June 1998, until his retirement in March 2019, and is currently employed by another governmental agency. On April 7, Kovac turned himself in at the Orland Park Police Headquarters, the Village said. He faces charges of disorderly conduct and false personation related to allegations of creating fraudulent social media accounts, both misdemeanors.

The Village's statement thanked the public for its patience throughout the investigative process.

The Village of Orland Park appreciates the community’s patience and trust as this complex situation has been navigated. While the sensitivity of personnel matters prohibits detailed discussion, the Village wishes to emphasize its steadfast commitment to accountability and upholding the highest standards of professionalism among its officers.

The Orland Park Police Department is comprised of dedicated men and women who exemplify integrity and valor in their service. The actions of a few do not diminish the unwavering dedication of the majority of the police force who consistently strive to protect and serve the community with honor and distinction. Without the dedication of the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department, the Village would not be able to fulfill its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all those who live, work, and visit Orland Park.

The Village of Orland Park is grateful for the dedicated service of its police force and remains resolute in maintaining a safe and thriving community.

— The Village of Orland Park