Today, Noveber 13, a former Chicago police sergeant, James Sajdak, pled guilty to a misdemeanor civil rights violation in connection with a 2019 sexual assault incident involving a transgender woman. Originally facing a felony civil rights charge and potential life imprisonment, Sajdak's plea before U.S. District Judge John Tharp might spare him jail time, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Amendment to a misdemeanor indictment brings some relief to Sajdak, a retired officer. However, some questions are raised about this handling of sexual assault cases involving public officials and their impact on marginalized communities.
In March 5, 2019, Sajdak, then-serving, allegedly assaulted victim Tyshee Featherstone after coercing her under threat of arrest into his squad car. Based on a Chicago Sun-Times report, the encounter took place in a secluded lot.
Upon reporting the incident at Rush University Medical Center, Featherstone provided what she claimed was DNA evidence inculpating Sajdak. Unfortunately, the police only reached out to her for a statement weeks afterwards, using the coded term "white shirt" for Chicago police supervisors to identify him. Sajdak had his policing powers stripped by April 6, 2019, and retired shortly after, leaving a 30-year service record. A subsequent lawsuit by Featherstone led to a $100,000 settlement by the city, as reported in the Chicago Tribune.
Now, with a guilty plea lodged, Sajdak can potentially face a year in prison, though probation is still a possibility.
This wasn't Sajdak's first misconduct brush. Across his career, he racked up 44 complaints, with a single sustained claim dating back to 1997 that led to a 30-day suspension.
