Illinois Cop Who Made Racist Social Media Comments Won't Face Charges: State's Attorney

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A former Springfield officer tied to racist, homophobic and antisemitic online comments will not face criminal charges, according to authorities and media reports.

In April, Springfield police learned of “disturbing” social media posts made by then-officer Aaron Nichols and opened an investigation into his actions, according to Chief Ken Scarlette, who on Wednesday announced the release of a report on the probe.

While the department has requested Nichols be decertified, he will not be charged in court, according to Sangamon County State’s Attorney Daniel Wright.

Wright acknowledged Nichols’ statements as “hateful and inappropriate social media conduct,” but said his office found insufficient evidence to prove misconduct or a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt, Wright wrote in a letter included in the investigation report.

It remains undetermined if Nichols, an 18-year department veteran, will be decertified as an officer, according to The State Journal-Register.

Nichols’ actions came to the attention of law enforcement after he was the subject of an investigation and article by the group Anonymous Comrades Collective, according to media reports.

Nichols was placed on unpaid leave, WICS reported, but he resigned from the force just days later. He did not use police or city equipment to create the offensive posts, according to WICS.