Records: Joliet detective claims police continue retaliation against him

A detective claimed in an amended lawsuit that he continues to face retaliation from the Joliet Police Department since he filed his original suit last November.

Detective David Jackson filed an amended complaint on Jan. 24 that alleged the police department retaliated against him for “opposing its discriminatory conduct” since he sued several police officials on Nov. 4, court records show.

Jackson, who is black, claims the Joliet police of having a history of “anti-black culture,” and that his domestic battery charge from last year was retaliation after he advocated for the due process rights of former Officer Lionel Allen, who is also black, when Joliet Police Chief Al Roechner recommended he be fired.

Jackson claimed in his amended complaint the police “issued frivolous internal affairs” charges against him on Dec. 30 and Jan. 9. Jackson was recommended for a 30-day suspension without pay for the Jan. 9 internal affairs charge, his lawsuit said.

“The Joliet P.D. has continuously claimed that Jackson is ‘under investigation,’” the suit said.

In response to several questions Friday, Joliet police Sgt. Christopher Botzum said the department “cannot comment on pending litigation.”

Jackson was charged with slamming his girlfriend to the ground March 9 at a residence in Crest Hill. A jury trial was scheduled for July 1, but Judge Ed Burmila dismissed the case when Jackson's girlfriend was not willing to come forward.

Jackson is also suing Crest Hill Police Chief Ed Clark, a Crest Hill detective and Zobel's Tavern owner Frank Baloy, the lawsuit said.

Jackson accused the Crest Hill police, Roechner and Baloy of conspiring to obstruct his ability to “obtain exculpatory evidence in the misdemeanor charges stemming from his arrest.”

Jackson is the third police officer in the past two years to file a federal lawsuit against the city and the department.

Officer Cassandra Socha filed a lawsuit last year claiming sexual photos of her and Officer Nicholas Crowley were taken from her cellphone during an investigation and shared with other officers.

Allen, who retired in August, sued former Police Chief Brian Benton and other city officials over allegations of racism and discrimination.

Allen’s attorneys have withdrawn from the case because they cannot "continue to ethically or effectively represent" him, court records show.

Allen has "decided to litigate this case" himself and that "wishes to proceed with a settlement conference with or without attorney representation,” records show.