Officer David Deleon Charged With Sexually Abusing Minor
Personal Injury - May 23, 2023
Chicago Police Officer David Deleon Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Abusing Minor In Norridge
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 23, 2023) – A Chicago police officer identified as David Deleon is facing charges that he sexually abused a minor inside of his vehicle.
Cook County officials are saying that they were first notified of the incident around 10:00 a.m. on Monday. A minor came forward and claimed that they were the victim of sexual abuse involving officer David Deleon on March 25 in a vehicle along Harlem Avenue.
Investigators believe that the officer knew the child that was allegedly abused. Officer David Deleon has since been arrested and faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery.
He has since been relieved of his police powers. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Abuse Involving Chicago Police Officers
Police officers have a great deal of authority over the lives of everyone in the community. This is why abuses by police officers are so troubling. According to research from Bowling Green State University, “officers in the U.S. were charged with forcible rape 405 times between 2005 and 2013. That’s an average of 45 a year. There were 636 instances of forcible fondling.” Unfortunately, there is no federal database that lists all instances where police officers have been arrested. There are a number of steps that police departments should take in order to prevent sexual abuse in their ranks.
- Police officers should be properly monitored. This can largely be done through the use of body cameras.
- All instances of sexual harassment involving officers should be documented and investigated.
- Police officers should get sexual assault awareness and prevention training.
Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable if an officer sexually abuses someone under the colour of law. Consider, for example, the case Rogers v. City of Little Rock. A police officer followed a woman to her home and proceeded to rape her. An 8th circuit court found that the officer acted under the “colour of law” and thereby violated the woman’s civil rights. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse involving a police officer.
- A police report of the incident should be created.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Sexual abuse is one of the most destructive things that a child can go through. It negatively impacts every level of their development. Children who are sexually abused are more prone to a wide variety of physical and psychological ailments. Any person that is sexually abused by a police officer may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. It is extremely important that all evidence is properly preserved after any incident.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims Involving Chicago Police Officers
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the child involved in this incident with former officer David Deleon. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation and that all of the facts come out. Every person has a right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. But the allegations prosecutors have made are disturbing to say the least.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a police officer in Illinois? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of civil rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
