Chicago police officer accused of gay harassment
A Chicago police officer has been accused of making false drink-driving arrests, using excessive force and gay harassment.
The Chicago Tribune reports that four lawsuits were filed against Town Hall District police officer Richard Fiorito on Thursday.
Three other lawsuits were filed against the officer in February.
All of the plaintiffs have accused Fiorito of false arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, and in some of the lawsuits, it is alleged that Fiorito used excessive force.
Plaintiff Shawn Rauch claimed that whilst in the station, the police officer grabbed him by the throat, shoved him against a wall and called him a homosexual slur.
Prosecuting attorney Jon Erickson claimed that the police officer fabricated DUI charges as part of a scheme to earn extra overtime pay.
Firioto himself was unavailable for comment, according to the newspaper and officials at the Independent Police Review Authority, said complaints are under investigation.
