PORTAGE, ILLINOIS — This week Portage Police officer Roger Peele Jr. will get the opportunity to defend himself against charges of mistreating two suspects — three months after he was placed on desk duty.
The Portage Police Merit Board will hear the case against Peele on Thursday. The hearing was delayed multiple times because of schedule conflicts with various witnesses.
Peele faces charges of conduct unbecoming an officer, mistreatment or maltreatment of a prisoner and unsatisfactory performance.
Portage resident Matthew Rivera and Gary resident Camille Laffoon filed complaints of abuse at the hands of Peele in separate incidents. Both incidents were captured on video.
Peele stopped Rivera, 24, on suspicion of drunken driving on Feb. 7. Peele demanded to search Rivera’s mouth for drugs. In the video, Peele pulls Rivera from the car and puts his hand near Rivera’s neck, while uttering profanities. Rivera places his hands on Peele’s chest.
Police charged Rivera with battery of a law enforcement agent, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Rivera’s next court hearing is Nov. 15.
Laffoon, 25, was arrested April 14 after police responded to a shooting at the Portage Denny’s, located at 6171 U.S. 20.
Laffoon admits to firing her licensed gun into the air to scare off people who were threatening her brother.
Police handcuffed Laffoon. She said there was no rough treatment until she came in view of a dashboard camera on an ambulance at the scene.
The video shows Peele slamming Laffoon’s body into the side of a police car multiple times. Then, he throws her to the ground and pins her.
Laffoon said clumps of her hair were pulled out. She said Peele ignored her cries that she couldn’t breathe.
Police charged her with intimidation, pointing a firearm, criminal recklessness with a firearm and resisting law enforcement. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31.
Both Laffoon and Rivera intend to file civil lawsuits against Peele, the city, the police department and additional officers.
Valerie Rainieri filed a $300,000 civil suit against Peele in 2006. The suit alleges that Peele used excessive force when responding to an incident at her home on Oct. 1, 2004.
The merit board hearing only concerns the arrests of Laffoon and Rivera.
Attorney Scott McClure represents the board. In the executive session, police department attorney Bob Welsh will present the evidence against Peele. When Welsh has rested his case, Peele’s attorneys have the opportunity to call witnesses.
McClure said the board will have a small break, then reconvene in public session to render its verdict.
Similar to a jury trial, Peele could be guilty of all, some or none of the charges.
McClure said the consequences can vary.
“The consequences range from nothing to termination,” McClure said. “It runs the whole gamut.”
