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Former Galesburg Cop Might Receive Pension

A former Galesburg police officer who resigned amid felony charges may still receive his police pension.

David Hendricks was convicted in 2008 of felony official misconduct. Hendricks admitted to stealing drugs from the police evidence locker to feed his drug habit.

City Spokeswoman Sue Davidson said Hendricks resigned in 2007, the year before his conviction. She also said that when he was stealing the drugs he seemed to target evidence from older, inactive cases.

After serving his 180 day sentence and completing drug treatment programs, Hendrick’s felony conviction was vacated and he is now seeking his police pension.

Before paying any benefits, the Galesburg police pension board has decided to seek the advice of an attorney in Champaign-Urbana who specializes in pension law.

Commission President Mike DeForest said it’s easier to delay payments until the board is sure it must pay Hendricks, rather than to stop payments once they’ve started.

"Do it right the first time, so you don't have to come back and revisit it again," DeForest said.

DeForest also said the Illinois Department of Insurance has issued a recommendation that Hendricks is eligible for his pension.

Hendrick’s had been a police officer in Galesburg for 23 years, he now lives in Wisconsin.

 

Scott Stuntz is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.