Retired Joliet police officer, Brian Nagra, saw his felony convictions removed this week. Two years ago, Nagra pleaded guilty to one count of official misconduct and one count of theft, and just this week, Nagra and his criminal defense lawyer, Mike Ettinger, convinced the judge to vacate his convictions according to Joliet Patch.
Ettinger stated that it was no surprise, claiming that vacating the convictions was always anticipated, provided that Nagra successfully completed his T.A.C. probation, otherwise known as Treatment Alternative Court. Nagra got enrolled in the TAC program and emerged a success. Ettinger dispelled any suggestions that Nagra's convictions were vacated because of favoritism or due to his 20-year service in the Joliet Police Department, labeling these claims as "ridiculous."
However, looking back at Nagra's history sparks some curiosity. In 2019, Shaw Local of Herald-News reported that Nagra was involved in falsifying his payroll records, increasing his overtime compensation. Following an investigation, Nagra was recommended for discharge, but remained on the city payroll until July 2019, when he announced his retirement. Incredibly, by staying on the payroll long enough, he managed to reach his 20th anniversary with the city, thus qualifying for his Joliet police pension.
In 2021, Nagra pleaded guilty to those two felony charges, while three other felony charges were dismissed as part of a plea bargain reported by Joliet Patch. He was sentenced to 30 months of probation and 100 community service hours. Now, with his probation time and the TAC program successfully completed, Nagra's convictions are vacated.
While Ettinger's defense of his client is to be expected, observers can't help but wonder if there's more to the story. Nagra had avoided a termination hearing by resigning just three days before it was scheduled according to Shaw Local. No charges were brought against Nagra, raising questions about the handling of his case.
It is worth noting that even some board members of Joliet's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners sought transparency. Todd Wooten, a board member, expressed concern to Shaw Local about the handling of cases, stating, "We're talking about somebody's career.", calling for a chance to review the information.
Ettinger plans to file a motion with the court in six months, seeking to expunge Nagra's convictions from his permanent record. For now, the debate about whether justice was served or favoritism occurred continues.
