A former south suburban deputy police chief was arrested Thursday and faces federal charges of violating civil rights through acts that included sexual abuse.
Tony D. DeBois, 41, of Matteson, was arrested at his home Thursday morning without incident by FBI special agents, a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office said. He is scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon in Chicago.
DeBois was deputy chief of the Markham Police Department when the alleged crime occurred on Sept. 23, 2010, the statement said.
He was charged in a single-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury Wednesday and unsealed Thursday following his arrest. It alleges the incident occurred while DeBois was acting in his official capacity as deputy police chief.
DeBois served as deputy chief between 2008 and approximately 2011, and was also the Markham Police Department's head of internal affairs between 2007 and approximately 2011, when he became inspector general until he was fired in 2012.
He began his law enforcement career with the former Chicago Housing Authority Police Department in the 1990s, and was a police officer in south suburban Harvey from 1999-07, when he joined the Markham department.
DeBois has long been a controversial figure, named in numerous civil lawsuits alleging excessive force. He once served as a member of the so-called "Jump Out Boys" unit of the Harvey police
Most recently his name was mentioned in an unflattering light in the trial of so-called "nuns on the run" bank robber Navahcia Edwards. Edwards' accomplice Lydon Germel Wesley — a distant relation of DeBois through marriage — compared DeBois to a corrupt cop from a Hollywood movie.
DeBois was "like Denzel Washington in ‘Training Day,'" Wesley said.
The cop isn't the only Markham official to be accused of sex crimes in office in recent years. In 2007, code enforcement office Mark Hauser was sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping a 14-year-old intern inside City Hall.
The felony civil rights charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:43 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:43:56 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.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:12:41 GMT
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:27:58 GMT
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:27:58 GMT
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:55:58 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Monday, June 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:54:56 GMT
Duane T. Horton
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
