CHICAGO — Former Chicago Police Officer Eric Tabb has pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aggravated battery after multiple female colleagues accused him of inappropriate sexual contact at the training academy and a city precinct.
Tabb, 35, was sentenced to 30 months of probation and ordered to enroll in a sex offender program as part of a plea deal. The deal reduced more serious charges stemming from two separate incidents — one at a bar in Wrigleyville, the other inside a precinct after roll call — both involving female police recruits.
“Almost half the time, they are working but not getting paid,” said Ald. Michael Rodriguez, who sponsored the proposed ordinance now under debate.
The plea was accepted by Cook County Judge James B. Novy, who stated in court that he approved the agreement “because of the victims” and warned Tabb he would face prison time if he violated probation.
Series Of Incidents Sparked By Fellow Recruits, Hidden Pattern Emerged
According to Chicago Sun-Times, the case began with reports from fellow recruits, including an incident in August 2023, where Tabb allegedly groped and tried to kiss a female recruit at a Wrigleyville bar.
A second incident occurred in December 2023 inside a police station, where another recruit said Tabb touched her inappropriately after roll call. Tabb had been fired shortly after his arrest in December.
Further reports revealed that at least five women from Tabb’s training class reported similar misconduct. A broader investigation by the Invisible Institute and ProPublica found that Tabb was one of 14 Chicago officers accused of sexual assault in the past decade — with many facing prior complaints that went unaddressed.
Impact Statements Reveal Emotional Toll On Victims
Two female officers read victim impact statements during the hearing. One recruit said:
“The women I speak for today… were women that trusted Eric Tabb, spending eight months with him forming that trust in a police academy.”
Another former recruit, Alexus Byrd-Maxey, had also accused Tabb of misconduct but was not included in the prosecution’s final case. Her initial report was allegedly dismissed, and she was later fired following unrelated disciplinary issues that she said were retaliatory.
CPD Criticized For Failing To Address Misconduct Pattern
The broader investigation showed over 300 complaints of sexual misconduct or assault within the Chicago Police Department, many of which were downplayed or ignored.
While the CPD has claimed it takes such allegations seriously, investigative files showed a pattern of delayed discipline, internal denial, and a culture of silence that enabled repeat misconduct.
“He’s been given grace, time and time again. They let him be a free man,” Byrd-Maxey said after the plea deal was reached.
What Do You Think About How CPD Handles Officer Misconduct?
Should there be stronger action and oversight in cases of sexual misconduct within Chicago Police? Let us know your thoughts on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
