Schaumburg Police Chief Brian Howerton, whose department was rocked in January when three officers were charged with stealing cocaine and marijuana from drug dealers, announced Tuesday he is retiring.
Howerton, a 32-year department veteran who has served as chief since 2009, also was beset by personal controversy after a former girlfriend last year accused him of stalking her.
In a letter he wrote to village employees, Howerton didn't mention the arrests of his former officers. But he said the time was right for him to retire because he had been "cleared of any criminal charges" stemming from the allegations by ex-girlfriend Dawn Davis.
Earlier this year, Cook County prosecutors determined Howerton hadn't committed any crimes, though a village inquiry into his alleged actions involving Davis still is ongoing.
"There is never a good time to leave an organization you love. But there usually is a right time," Howerton said in his letter. "Now that my name has been cleared of any criminal charges after a yearlong investigation in which I was falsely accused, I have decided that, for me, that time is now."
His resignation comes as the department is still trying to recover from the stunning arrests of former tactical officers Matthew Hudak, Terrance O'Brien and John Cichy.
The three veteran cops were nabbed in a sting operation by federal and DuPage County officials for allegedly seizing drugs from dealers they arrested, then reselling the cocaine and marijuana.
All face a host of charges. The three resigned from the department following their arrests.
Howerton's annual salary as chief is $149,171. He plans to remain on the job until April 5.
A village official praised the job done by Howerton during his time in the police department.
"On behalf of the village, we are grateful for the 32 years of service that Chief Howerton has provided to our community," Village Manager Ken Fritz said in a statement.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:58:27 GMT
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Jacqueline Goldberg, 87, lost her $6 million lawsuit against Donald Trump on Thursday. Goldberg's attorney, Shelly Kulwin, spoke with FOX 32 News about the verdict in the Chicago condo trial.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:58:00 GMT
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
CTA Ventra payment card holders who use the card's controversial debit features won't be charged for talking to public transit customer service operators or using the cards for cash ATM withdrawals.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:51:23 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:14 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:14:37 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
