SHAKEDOWN CHARGES RAISE NEW CORRUPTION CONCERNS

CHICAGO, July 18 - Three Chicago police officers are free on bond after
being charged with home invasion and armed robbery.

At a bond hearing, prosecutors called Officers John Labiak, Rodney
Carriger, and Ernest Hutchinson a danger to the community who showed
particular brazenness in their alleged shakedown. But Judge Nicholas Ford
said the defendants have substantial community ties, and are unlikely to
flee. Bond was set at $75,000.

An attorney representing two of the defendants called the decision fair.
They are all married, they are all residents of Chicago, they all own
homes. They're going to come to court. They're going to fight this, said
attorney Joe Roddy.

The incident allegedly began June 23 when the cops entered a garage at 1200
West Huron as a door was closing. One woman was handcuffed as police
searched the house without a warrant. When another woman asked to see a
warrant, Officer Hutchinson allegedly spat on her.

Police found two illegal guns and a small amount of marijuana. When the gun
owner returned home, the three cops allegedly demanded $8,000 or hed go to
jail. When he paid, the cops left.

Two off-duty Wood District police officers who allegedly witnessed the
shakedown reported the incident. The alleged victims have filed a civil
lawsuit in federal court.

The officers are charged with armed robbery, home invasion, and official
misconduct. Although the incident allegedly happened last month, the
charges were filed Thursday.

Yesterday, while taping this weekend's edition of News Channel 5's City
Desk, Police Superintendent Terry Hillard said cops under suspicion
shouldn't expect any breaks.

If you do the right thing...not only will myself, but the command staff
will stand behind you, he said. But if you get out there and you commit
some type of violation of the law...we're going to come after you.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)