A former Wilmette police officer was formally charged last week with theft and misconduct for allegedly ordering a DUI suspect to pay a cash bond, though no cash was required for the man’s release.
Former Wilmette police Officer Diane Grassi, 47, was indicted on one count each of theft and official misconduct, according to Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin.
Early in the morning of Sept. 29, 2010, Grassi arrested a man for DUI and took him to the station for processing, according to prosecutors. While booking him, she told the man he must pay a cash bond to secure his release.
The man originally said he would rather spend the night in jail and use his money to get his car out of impound, but Grassi ordered him to give her the money, which he did, according to prosecutors.
The man’s attorney later noticed that he had been released on an individual recognizance bond, which requires no cash. The victim reported the incident to Wilmette police, who contacted the state’s attorney’s office.
Grassi surrendered to police on May 5 and was released on a $10,000 bond. She will be arraigned on June 10, Conklin said.
A state’s attorney’s office spokesman said the amount of money stolen was not being disclosed.
