The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) announced on Tuesday that their ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct claims involving Chicago police officers and migrants has not been able to substantiate any of the allegations so far, Your Content has learned.
The agency held a news conference at its West Town Headquarters to provide an update, considering the significant attention these claims have garnered.
Chief Administrator Kersten revealed that COPA received an allegation on July 6, accusing a police officer from the 10th District of engaging in sexual contact with an underage female migrant.
The allegation also suggested that other officers may have been involved in sexual misconduct. However, to date, no migrants claiming to be victims of sexual assault or any form of sexual misconduct by CPD members have been identified.
COPA’s extensive investigation involved ten separate investigations and a team comprising two supervising investigators, one director of investigations, and two deputy chief administrators.
Collaborating with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), the Chicago Police Department (CPD), and community advocates, investigators meticulously combed through migrant shelters and reached out to members of the migrant community.
Although another sexual misconduct allegation surfaced in the 19th District during the investigation, no alleged victim has been identified. The source of these complaints originated from city employees, but their exact origin remains under investigation.
COPA emphasized that their investigation is still open and ongoing. Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CEO of Chicago Public Schools announced the establishment of a welcome center for migrants on the Northwest Side, awaiting further updates from COPA before determining the next course of action.
In response to calls for transparency, activists have urged for a thorough investigation into the allegations involving Chicago police and migrants.
The city’s public safety committee has recently requested COPA to expedite its investigation into officers from the 10th District.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing rank-and-file police officers, has raised questions regarding the credibility of these allegations.
Additionally, CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs has conducted its own independent investigation alongside COPA’s efforts.