Chicago aldermen have given the green light to a $261 million police misconduct settlement. This decision comes in response to lawsuits claiming that former Detective Reynaldo Guevara framed men for murder. Despite their concerns over the financial impact, aldermen felt the settlement was unavoidable.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration proposed the settlement to resolve 16 lawsuits against Guevara. The Finance Committee of the City Council backed the proposal, recognizing the city’s limited options. Alderman Raymond Lopez expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I find this good and bad. Revolting, yet necessary,” likening the approval to “bad medicine.” The full council is expected to vote on the matter soon.
Jessica Felker, Law Department attorney, informed aldermen that the total cost of wrongful imprisonment was $680,000 per year the men spent behind bars. These 17 plaintiffs faced 384 years collectively in prison after being allegedly framed by Guevara. Felker emphasized that settling now could save taxpayers from potentially higher costs of individual lawsuits.
U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland mediated the 10-month negotiations leading to the settlement. Felker highlighted that resolving these cases assured predictable financial exposure and avoided uncertain outcomes in court.
The settlement encompasses the claims of 17 plaintiffs, while 23 more cases related to Guevara remain pending. Law firm Loevy & Loevy represents these plaintiffs, with an estimated 40% of the settlement earmarked for legal fees.
The settlement will occur in four installments during 2027 and 2028, impacting Chicago’s budget. Alderman Bill Conway, Finance Committee’s vice-chair, acknowledged the cost as “gigantic, but responsible.” Alderman Pat Dowell, committee chair, echoed this sentiment, remarking, “When you’re wrong, you’re wrong.” The city’s budget has repeatedly exceeded the amounts set aside for police lawsuits.
Last year, Chicago used debt to finance a $90 million settlement involving another officer. Following criticism and financial repercussions, Johnson’s administration plans to budget $401 million for lawsuits next year, including the Guevara settlement.
Alderman Lopez urged for better financial monitoring of police settlements. Alderman Nick Sposato hoped to resolve remaining Guevara cases swiftly.
“You hate to dump on the next council or the next group after that,” Sposato stated.
Felker assured aldermen of reforms within the Chicago Police Department, including recording all interrogations and adhering to a consent decree. Despite Guevara’s alleged misconduct, his pension remains intact due to state laws requiring criminal conviction for revocation.
Alderman Jeanette Taylor voiced her disapproval of state laws allowing Guevara’s pension to remain unaffected. Guevara retired a decade ago and denied any wrongdoing. His repeated invocation of the Fifth Amendment left Chicago financially responsible for years of wrongful imprisonments.
These Guevara cases have already resulted in around $160 million in prior settlements and verdicts, including $43 million this year. The agreement further cements Guevara’s affair as the city’s costliest police scandal, surpassing cases involving former Cmdr. Jon Burge.