HENDRICKS SENTENCED TO JAIL TIME

Felony Could Be Vacated With Completion Of Program

GALESBURG -- A former Galesburg Police Department lieutenant will
spend the next 180 days in the Knox County jail after pleading guilty
to stealing drugs from the department's evidence locker.

David W. Hendricks, 50, pleaded guilty Oct. 2 to one count of
possession of a controlled substance and official misconduct.

In imposing the sentence Thursday in Knox County Circuit Court, Judge
Steven Bordner said Hendricks tarnished the reputation of the police
department and brought shame to himself and the community. He said
failing to impose a sentence of incarceration would further reflect
badly on the police department and justice system.

Bordner also sentenced Hendricks to TASC probation. Treatment
Alternatives for Safe Communities is a program whereby a non-violent
offender may be sentenced to probation and drug treatment. If the
offender successfully completes conditions of the program, the judge
may vacate the judgment and dismiss the criminal proceedings. If that
would happen, the felony offenses would not be on Hendricks' record,
which would leave him eligible to receive his police pension.

Hendricks took the stand during his sentencing hearing and told the
court he became addicted to prescription medication after seeking
medical treatment for migraines in 2001. In 2005, he found cocaine in
a holding cell, took it home and used it. He admitted the cocaine did
not help his headaches, but he did not understand the psychological
aspect of his addiction at the time.

"I knew I had a problem," Hendricks said. "I'm sorry for putting the
Galesburg Police Department and the community through this. I know I
will always regret what I did."

Hendricks said he has been sober since Sept. 21, 2006, and attended
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings several times a week. Two of his AA
sponsors testified Hendricks is committed to his recovery.

Illinois Special Prosecutor Ed Parkinson asked the court for a
sentence of imprisonment. "This was a crime of sneaky opportunity,"
Parkinson said. "He gained access because of who he was. It is
especially grievous and a disgrace, what he did."

Hendricks' attorney Gerald Brady said his client has been truthful,
remorseful and rehabilitating and requested he be sentenced to TASC probation.

Hendricks, who relocated to Wisconsin as part of a mutual agreement
between the prosecution and defense, will be required to move to
Illinois to start his TASC probation when he is released from jail.
He was also fined $1,500.

Galesburg Police Chief Dave Christensen said the drugs Hendricks
stole were not a part of any pending cases and were destined to be incinerated.