Share this @internewscast.com

A former Chicago police officer who forced a woman to engage in a sex act in his squad car in 2019 was sentenced to one year in federal prison, prosecutors said Monday.

James Sajdak, 65, pleaded guilty in November to one count of deprivation of civil rights, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois said in a statement.

He was sentenced Friday to the maximum allowed for the misdemeanor charge.

On March 5, 2019, Sajdak flashed the lights of his police vehicle at a woman walking on the street and said something like, “You can get in the front seat or you can get in the back,” which he meant to be a threat of arrest, Sajdak admitted in a plea agreement. The woman got in the front seat.

Sajdak then locked the doors, drove to an abandoned lot and forced her to do a sex act, the plea agreement said.

Sajdak, a police officer since 1989, retired after the 2019 incident. The victim in the incident sued him and the city, and the case was later settled, according to records and his defense attorneys. He was federally indicted in 2022.

Sajdak “abused the power and responsibility with which he had been entrusted,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.

They also argued that because the victim was a sex worker, Sajdak knew it would be difficult for her to report the crime to police.

Sajdak’s “misconduct diminishes the public’s trust in law enforcement and the criminal justice system as a whole,” assistant U.S. attorneys Alexandra Morgan and Erika L. Csicsila argued in the memo. “It throws into doubt the integrity of all police officers, including responsible and hard-working officers who are endeavoring to protect the people in their communities.”

In court Friday, U.S. District Judge John Tharpn told Sajdak that if he had the option under the law, “the sentence would be higher still,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Attorneys for Sajdak did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Sajdak’s attorneys wrote in a sentencing memorandum that he takes full responsibility for his actions, and agrees his conduct was reprehensible, but asked for mercy.

“He retired with shame from the Chicago Police Department and is considered a pariah and an embarrassment to all law enforcement,” his attorneys wrote. They asked for probation.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Metra, Pace, CTA riders, workers could be affected by fare increases, layoffs, reduced service to bridge RTA budget gap

Fare Hikes, Job Cuts, and Reduced Services Could Impact Metra, Pace, and CTA Due to RTA Budget Deficit

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday, the news was somber, as the committee…
Heroes, zeros of Yankees-Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton struggles

Highlights and Low Points of Yankees vs. Blue Jays Game 1: Giancarlo Stanton’s Tough Performance

Heroes and zeros from the Yankees’ 10-1 loss to the Blue Jays…
Trump announces Israel agrees to Gaza 'initial withdrawal line' as '3,000 year catastrophe' nears end

Trump Reports Israel’s Agreement to Establish “Initial Withdrawal Line” in Gaza as “3,000-Year Conflict” Approaches Resolution

President Donald Trump on Saturday announced Israel has agreed to the “initial…
ChiArts news: Chicago High School for the Arts board decides not to renew contract with Chicago Public Schools, future in jeopardy

ChiArts Update: School Board Chooses Independence from Chicago Public Schools, Future Uncertain

CHICAGO (WLS) — Concerns are arising over the sustainability of Chicago’s sole…
St. Augustine wedding venue under investigation

Investigation Launched into St. Augustine Wedding Venue

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has announced that it is looking…

Tragic Shooting Near Houston Suburb Results in Death of Two Children, Two More Critically Injured

ANGLETON, Texas (AP) — In a heartbreaking incident early Saturday near Angleton,…
Daughter of notorious killer Dan Lafferty chooses forgiveness over hatred after decades of shame

Daughter of infamous murderer Dan Lafferty opts for forgiveness after years of disgrace

Rebecca Lafferty forgave her father, convicted killer Dan Lafferty — not to…
Iran expands it ‘shadow empire’ across Middle East as Trump pulls troops from Iraq, Syria

Iran Extends Its ‘Shadow Empire’ in the Middle East Following U.S. Troop Withdrawals from Iraq and Syria

Just half a year after the Trump administration announced plans to reduce…
Japan poised for first female prime minister after ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi as new leader

Sanae Takaichi becomes leader of Japan’s ruling party, paving the way for her potential to be the first female prime minister

Japan is on track to get its first female prime minister after…
Donald Trump administration seeking to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard members amid Chicago ICE raids: Gov. JB Pritzker

Governor JB Pritzker reports that the Trump administration plans to deploy 300 Illinois National Guard members to support ICE operations in Chicago.

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 Illinois National…
Who is Kathryn Nester, Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson’s attorney?

Experts Suggest Defense for Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Could Cost Utah Taxpayers ‘Eight Figures’

Utah taxpayers are on the hook for Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin’s defense…
Suspect arrested, charged in shooting deaths of 2 teens found dead months ago in Arizona wilderness

Arrest Made and Charges Filed in Shooting Deaths of Two Teens Discovered in Arizona Wilderness Months Ago

Law enforcement in Arizona has apprehended and charged an individual in relation…