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.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:54:40 GMT
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:46:42 GMT
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:54:41 GMT
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:27:06 GMT
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:14:33 GMT
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:10 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:10:10 GMT
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
