Chicago Police Dismissed a Recruits Claims That a Colleague Sexually Assaulted Her. Then He was Accused Again and Again.

Published: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 9:00 am

Chicago Police Department Under Scrutiny: Pattern of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

A new investigation by the Invisible Institute and ProPublica, in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, reveals a disturbing pattern of alleged sexual misconduct within the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The investigation highlights the experiences of Alexus Byrd-Maxey, a former police academy recruit, and other women who reported incidents of sexual assault and harassment.

Byrd-Maxey's dream of becoming a detective was shattered when she reported an alleged assault by a fellow recruit, Eric Tabb, during her training. Instead of support, she faced dismissal from the academy, while Tabb went on to become a police officer. The investigation details how the CPD allegedly failed to adequately address Byrd-Maxey's complaint and other similar accusations, potentially allowing officers to continue engaging in misconduct.

The investigation uncovered a history of the CPD minimizing the seriousness of sexual misconduct allegations, often failing to conduct thorough investigations. Records show that Tabb is now facing multiple felony charges related to assaults on multiple women, including incidents that occurred after he became an officer. The investigation also revealed that the department has a history of failing to identify and deal with patterns of troubling behavior within its ranks.

The report also highlights the role of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) in addressing misconduct, including the creation of a Special Victims Squad. However, the investigation also notes the challenges COPA has faced, including lawsuits alleging anti-police bias.

BNN's Perspective: This investigation paints a concerning picture of systemic failures within the CPD. While the department has stated its commitment to addressing sexual misconduct, the findings suggest a need for significant reforms to ensure that allegations are taken seriously, investigations are thorough, and officers are held accountable. This is a complex issue that requires a balanced approach, focusing on both supporting victims and ensuring due process for all involved.

Keywords: Chicago Police Department, CPD, sexual misconduct, sexual assault, police brutality, Eric Tabb, Alexus Byrd-Maxey, police academy, COPA, Civilian Office of Police Accountability, misconduct investigation, Chicago, ProPublica, Invisible Institute, police reform, internal affairs, officer misconduct, police corruption, law enforcement, criminal justice.

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