Felony Charges For Two Peoria Police Officers
By: WMBD/WYZZ TV Newsroom
Updated: August 31, 2012
PEORIA- Two Peoria police officers have been charged with obstructing justice and official misconduct in office, both felonies.
Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady made this announcement around 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
The two officers are Vice Officer John Couve, who's facing eight charges, and Patrol Sergeant Richard Glover, who's facing four charges.
A police vehicle was involved in a crash on July 8th in the eight-thousand block of North Hale Avenue. Police reports show the unmarked SUV was assigned to Couve. Couve crashed the SUV into a transformer, causing a large power outage in Peoria. Couve's charges also include driving under the influence and texting while driving.
Glover was the first officer to respond to the scene, and wrote the accident report in which Couve allegedly claimed the vehicle had been stolen. State's Attorney Jerry Brady said the officers violated the community's trust and they'll be held accountable.
"We entrust to them the safety of our community, safety of our citizens. They have a great deal of power and authority. With that entrustment, they have duties too, and clearly one of those is not to insulate evidence when a crime is committed," Brady said.
The police union president said it's an unfortunate situation, he's waiting to see how it all plays out. If found guilty, Couve could be sent to prison for up to four years. Glover could face three years.
Bond for the two was set at $10-thousand. The officers are expected to surrender themselves within hours.
Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady made this announcement around 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
The two officers are Vice Officer John Couve, who's facing eight charges, and Patrol Sergeant Richard Glover, who's facing four charges.
A police vehicle was involved in a crash on July 8th in the eight-thousand block of North Hale Avenue. Police reports show the unmarked SUV was assigned to Couve. Couve crashed the SUV into a transformer, causing a large power outage in Peoria. Couve's charges also include driving under the influence and texting while driving.
Glover was the first officer to respond to the scene, and wrote the accident report in which Couve allegedly claimed the vehicle had been stolen. State's Attorney Jerry Brady said the officers violated the community's trust and they'll be held accountable.
"We entrust to them the safety of our community, safety of our citizens. They have a great deal of power and authority. With that entrustment, they have duties too, and clearly one of those is not to insulate evidence when a crime is committed," Brady said.
The police union president said it's an unfortunate situation, he's waiting to see how it all plays out. If found guilty, Couve could be sent to prison for up to four years. Glover could face three years.
Bond for the two was set at $10-thousand. The officers are expected to surrender themselves within hours.
