Veteran Chicago Cop Admits To Paying Teen For Sex In Plea Deal

CHICAGO, IL — A 27-year veteran Chicago police officer admitted to paying a 14-year-old girl for sex numerous times in 2015 as part of a plea deal Tuesday with federal prosecutors. William Whitley, who had patrolled the South Side's Wentworth District for much of his career, also admitted to doing the same with three other teenage girls between 2012 and 2016.

As part of the agreement with prosecutors, Whitley, 61, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor, according to the Chicago Tribune. He originally faced that charge along with production of child pornography when he was arrested in 2016 following an FBI investigation.

Whitley had been stripped of his police powers and assigned to desk duties in September 2015 because of the investigation. A police spokesman told the Tribune Whitley was currently listed as inactive.

RELATED: Veteran Chicago Cop Accused of Paying 14-Year-Old Girl for Sex: Feds

Prosecutors had accused Whitley of paying a 14-year-old girl between $60 to $150 to engage in sex acts on several occasions between June and September 2015. He also was accused of using his phone to take nude photos of the teen, which he then sent to her in text messages.

Whitley's sentencing hearing is set for Sept. 4. His plea carries a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence, and he could receive as much as life in prison.

More via the Chicago Tribune

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