Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 budget, which earmarked $82 million for settlements related to police abuse, has already been exhausted by April, setting the stage for even deeper financial challenges. As the city’s operating checkbook ended last year with a zero balance, four new police abuse settlements are set to add a further $35.2 million in liabilities.
Settlements Linked to Notorious Chicago Cops
Among these, two notable settlements are linked to two of the most infamous figures in Chicago’s police history—Jon Burge and Reynaldo Guevara. Burge, the former Area 2 Commander, and Guevara, a former detective, were both involved in cases of wrongful convictions through torture and fabricated evidence, respectively.
The Roberto Almodovar Settlement: A Cost of Justice
The largest of these pending settlements, amounting to $17 million, is intended for Roberto Almodovar. Almodovar, who spent 23 years wrongfully imprisoned for a 1994 double murder, was convicted based on evidence fabricated by Guevara. Almodovar was only 19 when he was wrongfully accused and sentenced to a maximum-security prison. His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, highlighted the severe emotional and social toll on Almodovar, including the separation from his infant daughter, who grew up without him.
Guevara’s Legacy of Wrongful Convictions
Almodovar’s case is not an isolated one. Guevara, who remains a polarizing figure in Chicago’s criminal justice history, is linked to the wrongful convictions of 43 people. These individuals, many of whom were framed through rigged witness identifications, were mostly from the Humboldt Park area. Despite these allegations, Guevara, now 81, has never been charged with a crime and still receives a pension from the Chicago Police Department.
The Jackie Wilson Settlement: A Long Overdue Reckoning
Another $12.7 million settlement is slated for Jackie Wilson, a man who was wrongfully convicted in 1982 for the murders of two police officers. Wilson’s conviction was later overturned in 2020 after new evidence emerged, proving that he was coerced into a confession after being tortured by Burge’s infamous “midnight crew.” This settlement is part of ongoing lawsuits linked to Burge’s actions, which have already cost the city an estimated $130 million in settlements.
Mayor Johnson’s Frustration with Legacy Cases
Johnson, who has expressed frustration with the historical neglect of police misconduct cases, remarked that these “legacy” issues were dumped on his administration. He pointed to the failure of past mayors to confront the Chicago Police Department’s abusive practices, referencing the notorious 2014 Laquan McDonald shooting under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel as an example.
Additional Settlements on the Finance Committee’s Agenda
The Finance Committee’s agenda also includes settlements for several other police abuse cases, including a $2.5 million settlement for the family of Gilbert Mendez, who was subjected to a wrongful police raid in 2017, and a $3 million settlement for Marley Aguilar, who suffered severe injuries when struck by a squad car in 2018.
Chicago’s Financial Strain Amid Ongoing Police Abuse Lawsuits
With more settlements on the horizon, the city’s financial outlook remains bleak, as these historical cases continue to drain taxpayer resources. While Johnson has promised reforms, the ongoing legacy of police abuse is one that Chicago will be dealing with for years to come.
Contact Police Brutality Center for Legal Assistance
If you or someone you know has been impacted by wrongful imprisonment, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Police Brutality Center connects victims with experienced civil rights attorneys, including partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, who specialize in wrongful imprisonment cases.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice.