Chicago Cop Who Falsely Blamed an Ex-Girlfriend for Dozens of Traffic Tickets Pleads Guilty but Avoids Prison

Published: Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 9:00 am

Former Chicago Police Officer Admits to Perjury, Impacting Numerous Cases

A former Chicago police officer, Jeffrey Kriv, has admitted to lying under oath repeatedly to avoid traffic tickets, leading to the dismissal of at least 92 criminal and traffic cases. Kriv, a prolific enforcer during his 25-year career, pleaded guilty to felony theft last week, receiving 18 months probation and ordered to pay $4,515 in restitution. This plea agreement allowed him to avoid jail time.

Kriv's scheme involved falsely blaming an ex-girlfriend for stealing his car to dismiss numerous speeding, parking, and red-light camera violations. He even provided fraudulent police reports as evidence. Prosecutors have revealed that Kriv had 56 of his own traffic tickets dismissed due to his false testimony, exceeding the previously known 44.

The fallout from Kriv's actions extends beyond his personal case. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has dropped cases where Kriv's testimony was crucial, citing his lack of credibility. These cases primarily involved drunk and dangerous driving. The office is also reviewing claims from individuals convicted in cases involving Kriv.

Kriv, who retired in 2023 just before being charged, faced charges of perjury and forgery, each carrying a potential five-year prison sentence. His attorney declined to comment. The Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago will decide if Kriv can continue to collect his pension benefits, given his felony conviction. Kriv's monthly pension payment exceeds $6,000.

BNN's Perspective:

This case highlights the critical importance of integrity within law enforcement. While the actions of one individual should not tarnish the reputation of the entire force, the impact on dismissed cases and public trust is significant. It underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability to ensure justice is served fairly.

Keywords: Jeffrey Kriv, Chicago Police, Perjury, Forgery, Traffic Tickets, Criminal Cases, Plea Agreement, Felony Theft, Cook County, Drunk Driving, Dismissed Cases, Police Misconduct, Pension, Law Enforcement, False Testimony

Full Story