CLINTON
A Clinton police officer accused of watching more than 23 hours of pornography while on duty has asked that disciplinary hearings be closed to keep confidential his allegations that others in the department also may have behaved inappropriately. Read full complaint (PDF) Read defense's motion (PDF)
Patrolman Billy Hurst faces a May 21 hearing before the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on charges that he violated department policy by using city-owned computers to watch adult pornography in his squad car.
According to documents obtained by The Pantagraph under a Freedom of Information Act request, Hurst allegedly viewed a total of 23 hours and 22 minutes of pornography during portions of 15 working days between Nov. 13 and Jan. 24.
The 15-year veteran of the Clinton department does not face criminal charges. He is paid $22.06 per hour for an annual salary of $45,892 and remains on duty pending the outcome of the police board hearings. He has declined to comment on the charges.
Shane Voyles, labor attorney with the Policemen’s Benevolent in Springfield, said Hurst will disprove the suggestion that Hurst’s conduct “is unusual or singular at the Clinton Police Department.”
When contacted by The Pantagraph Tuesday, Voyles declined to provide specifics about the statements contained in his motion.
City Police Commissioner Jerry Milton said he is not aware of any accusations involving other officers. “I’ve not heard any of that,” said Milton.
Two hearings have been closed to the media and public. Voyles suggested hearings remain closed “with all due haste, out of abundance of caution (if for no other reason.)”
City officials monitored computers starting in November after viruses were detected on city computers.
The time Hurst spent on alleged inappropriate activity ranged from three minutes on Nov. 13 to 217 minutes on Jan. 22, according to the complaint filed by the city.
Hurst violated nine departmental rules, including acting in a manner disrespectful of the law, violation of public trust and conduct unbecoming an officer, said the police documents.
The initial complaint, filed Jan. 30 by Chief Michael Reidy, recommended that Hurst be suspended for 30 days without pay. In an amended complaint filed Feb. 19, Reidy changed his recommendation to ask that Hurst be terminated if found guilty by the commission.
Potential witnesses against Hurst include DeWitt County State’s Attorney Richard Koritz, according to commission records. Koritz told city officials in February that he is concerned that Hurst’s alleged behavior may make him unsuitable as a witness in criminal cases.
The disciplinary action follows a 2003 action against Hurst for exposing himself at a local bar. He was given 15 days suspension without pay and reduced in rank from sergeant to patrolman.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-patrolman-pornogr,0,4577444.story
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