Update: Since running this story we have been in contact with Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross. This article, for good reason, has garnered quite a bit of attention and some of that is likely because it is impossible to publish or even have all of the information in this case. All of the facts in personnel and disciplinary matters rarely make it to the public in a timely manner and we are certain that is the case here. Director Ross tells us that his policy does make exceptions for family members and there are details in this case that cannot be released to the public. We look forward to the conclusion of this case and we will certainly followup with our audience.
A Bolingbrook (IL) Police Department sergeant is currently the subject of a termination hearing for associating with a convicted felon.
The felon is his son.
Patch reports that according to hearing testimony from Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross, Sgt. Willie McRay’s son, Jeremy McRay, is a convicted felon and over the age of 18. In September 2015, Jeremy was arrested on a felony burglary charge in Bolingbrook, according to court records, and at that time Ross learned that Jeremy had a previous felony conviction. The Bolingbrook Police Department has a general order that officers are not allowed to associate with felons.
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According to information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Ross is requesting the Bolingbrook Fire and Police Commission to terminate and discharge Sgt. McRay from his position for disobeying general and direct orders, for insubordination, and for failure to uphold the standards expected and delineated for service as a sergeant and police officer for the village. Ross allegedly told McRay repeatedly that he was not allowed to associate with his son, nor could his son live with him.
We asked our Editor In Chief, Travis Yates, about the situation who has extensive experience in policy development and best practices.
“While it is common for agencies to have a policy on the association with convicted felons, I have never seen one that did not have exceptions for family members. It is against any common sense to not place some exceptions in the policy. For instance, what does the agency do about working criminal informants or what if a police officer was married to a convicted felon? ”
Sgt. McRay did not testify during the hearing.
