police misuse – Former police officers from Itasca and West Chicago have been charged with felony computer tampering and official misconduct for unauthorized searches of license plate reader databases.
The quiet of the booking room was the final stop for two former police officers on Tuesday. as they turned themselves in to face felony charges stemming from their use of the very tools meant to protect the public. Marisa Ciccola. 30. formerly of the Itasca Police Department. and Gerardo Solis. formerly of the West Chicago Police Department. surrendered to authorities after a grand jury returned indictments against them last month.
Ciccola faces a significant legal battle with 13 counts of official misconduct and eight counts of computer tampering. Solis faces one count of official misconduct and a single count of computer tampering. Both were released on bond following their surrender, with their next court appearance scheduled for Nov. 16.
The allegations center on the unauthorized use of Flock license plate reader databases—a mass surveillance system currently under scrutiny across multiple departments. Prosecutors state that Ciccola’s unauthorized searches took place between June 2025 and May 2026. while Solis allegedly conducted his unauthorized search at least once between Dec. 18, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025. Both Itasca and West Chicago police agencies have committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
These charges are part of a broader pattern of abuse involving the surveillance technology. West Chicago began a comprehensive review of its camera usage following the investigation into Solis. while similar internal reviews are underway in Channahon. In Homer Glen. officials suspended the use of the cameras entirely after a Will County sheriff’s deputy was placed on administrative leave over misuse allegations. The scope of the issue appears wide: a part-time Prairie Grove officer. who also served as police chief for Holiday Hills. faces felony charges for allegedly stalking acquaintances through 250 unauthorized searches. Furthermore. a former Kenosha County. Wisconsin. sheriff’s deputy. Frank McGrath. was charged in August after an audit uncovered he had used the system to spy on a co-worker.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin maintains that while license plate reader cameras remain a crucial component of law enforcement that has successfully aided in various arrests. the integrity of the system is at stake. “Misuse of this technology. however. must carry consequences. ” Berlin said. “and anyone who breaches the public trust in such a manner will be held accountable.”.
The recurrence of these incidents highlights a tension between the deployment of high-tech surveillance tools and the institutional safeguards meant to govern them. When the tools designed to track criminals are turned toward personal pursuits. the public trust that defines the badge begins to fray. leaving departments to grapple with the fallout of individuals prioritizing their own agendas over their professional duty.
Flock cameras police misconduct DuPage County felony charges Marisa Ciccola Gerardo Solis surveillance abuse