|
Federal prosecutors have charged 41-year-old Jose Guillen of
Melrose Park with four counts of deprivation of civil rights
under color of law and one count of obstruction of justice.
“Guillen worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture as an
animal and animal products investigator, conducting on-site
inspections of animal care facilities in Cook County,” a
statement from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of
Illinois said. “In his official capacity as an investigator,
Guillen had the power to influence whether an animal care
facility received a license to operate and could continue in
operation after receiving the license. The indictment accuses
Guillen of grabbing and groping the victims in 2019, 2020, and
2021 while Guillen was on duty and acting under color of law as
a state employee.
Federal prosecutors also alleged Guillen provided false
testimony.
“The charge states that Guillen falsely testified under oath
that he had accidentally touched the victim’s buttocks during
the course of an on-site inspection at an animal care facility,
and that he falsely denied touching other alleged victims,” the
statement said.
Guillen pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and
other issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of
award-winning broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning
Newsfeed out of Springfield.
|
