In Campton Hills, Illinois, a former police chief, along with two ex-officers and a current officer, is now at the center of a controversy involving illicit gun sales and fraud allegations. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office revealed these charges Thursday, highlighting a significant breach of trust within the local police department.
The ex-chief, who stepped down nearly 20 months ago, intends to enter a plea of not guilty, according to his legal representative, after turning himself in to authorities in Kane County.
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The indictments, unsealed on Thursday, target former Campton Hills Police Chief Steven Millar, former officers Scott Coryell and Daniel Hatt, as well as current officer Douglas Kucik. These accusations were officially detailed by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that from January 2018 to February 2023, firearms stored in the police evidence room were unlawfully sold. Furthermore, official records were reportedly manipulated to conceal these transactions and mislead investigators.
A Kane County jury has presented a 41-count indictment against Millar, citing severe felony charges, including money laundering, forgery, wire fraud, and official misconduct.
ABC7’s Chief Legal Analyst, Gil Soffer, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, “These are extensive and grave allegations involving coordinated misconduct over a significant duration.”
Millar, who previously worked for Streamwood police, was promoted to Campton Hills chief in 2018 before being placed on paid administrative leave in July 2023. He resigned seven months later.
An attorney for Millar said in a statement, “Retired Chief Millar spent a 30 year plus career in law enforcement serving and protecting his communities. These charges are a shock to him. He committed no crime. He looks forward to a trial and to be exonerated.”
Millar and the three other suspects turned themselves in to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office Thursday and appeared in court.
They were released under special conditions, while their cases are pending. They cannot possess firearms, communicate with their co-defendants or travel out of state without the court’s permission.
The full list of charges are as follows:
Steven Millar, 60
– Money Laundering, Class 3 Felony
– Forgery, Class 3 Felony
– Official Misconduct, Class 3 Felony
– Misapplication of Funds, Class 3 Felony
– Theft between $500 and $10,000, Class 3 Felony
– Wire Fraud, Class 3 Felony
– Delivery of Firearm Before 72-Hour Waiting Period Expired, Class 4 Felony
Scott Coryell, 57
– Forgery, Class 3 felony
– Official Misconduct, Class 3 felony
– Wire Fraud, Class 3 Felony
– Theft between $500 and $10,000, Class 3 Felony
– Obstructing Justice by Destroying Evidence, Class 4 Felony
Daniel Hatt, 65
– Money Laundering, Class 3 Felony
– Forgery, Class 3 felony
– Official Misconduct, Class 3 Felony
– Wire Fraud, Class 3 Felony
– Obstructing Justice by Destroying Evidence, Class 4 Felony
Douglas Kucik, 42
– Theft between $500 and $10,000, Class 3 Felony
– Official Misconduct, Class 3 Felony
– Money Laundering, Class 3 Felony
– Wire Fraud, Class 3 Felony
– Delivery of Firearm Before 72-Hour Waiting Period Expired, Class 4 Felony
Illinois State Police conducted the investigation.
“The public must be able to trust that those charged with enforcing the law are also upholding the law,” ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said. “After a thorough, years long investigation, ISP Special Agents submitted evidence of criminal behavior among certain Campton Hills Police Department Officers to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, in an effort to hold these individuals accountable for their actions, and restore public trust.”
Messages left by ABC7 for village officials were not returned. Millar and his co-defendants are due in court for an arraignment December 12.
