Grundy Reporter

In late October, 51-year-old Joliet police sergeant was arrested and charged with official misconduct in response to the alleged release of video footage reportedly showing Eric Lurry, a black man, on the receiving end of abuse while custody earlier this year.

Lawyer Jeff Tomczak stated to WCSJ that his client, Plainfield resident Javier "Butch" Esqueda, was right to release the footage after Lurry's death.

The video in question shows Joliet officers using a baton to search Lurry’s mouth during a drug investigation in January. Lurry perished after the search.

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“It is the mission of the Joliet Police Department to maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism,”  said Joliet Police chief Alan Roechner, in a statement issued by his agency Oct. 21 and obtained by NBC Chicago.

“Sgt. Esqueda’s conduct violates not only the law, but more importantly, it threatens the trust and confidence we strive for daily in our service to the citizens of Joliet," said Roechner.

"Any negative actions reach far beyond one person, as it affects every member of our organization as well as our law enforcement partners," said Roechner in the statement. 

The station reported that the Will County Coroner’s Office determined the decedent died after swallowing a large quantity of drugs, and that the officers investigating him played no role in his death.

Tomczak asserted that Roechner had already made the video public before Esqueda, who has since posted bail, purportedly did.

Joliet PD said the release of the video violated chain of custody and potentially compromised evidence in the investigation, NBC Chicago reported.

Esqueda remains on administrative leave after he had his police powers stripped.

Kendall County State's Attorney Eric Weis is overseeing the case.

If convicted, Esqueda could serve up to five years in prison, Tomczak told NBC Chicago.