Chicago Cops Retire Ahead of Daley Probe

Chicago Cops Retire Ahead of Daley Probe

Three officers who were recommended for discipline over a case that allowed ex-Mayor Richard M. Daley’s nephew to escape criminal charges have retired, which means they’re no longer subject to punishment, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. City Hall Inspector General Joseph Ferguson urged discipline for six cops involved in the investigation in the 2004 death of David Koschman, who suffered a fatal brain injury after a drunken confrontation. Daley’s nephew Richard J. “R.J.” Vanecko pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 2014 after a judge appointed former U.S. Attorney Dan K. Webb as special prosecutor to reinvestigate the death. According to the Sun-Times, former Chief of Detectives Constantine G. “Dean” Andrews, 51, and former Cmdr. Joseph P. Salemme, 56, retired in early December, evading any disciplinary action. Andrews and Salemme are reportedly getting pensions that top $100,000 a year. Detective James G. Gilger, 58, also has decided to retire. Three other officers remain on the city payroll.