Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Northern District of Illinois

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Using Excessive Force Against a Handcuffed Store Clerk

CHICAGO — A Chicago Police officer was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for using excessive force against an employee of a Southeast Side convenience store.

A store surveillance camera captured ALDO BROWN punching and kicking the clerk on Sept. 27, 2012.  BROWN had entered the store while on duty and without a search warrant, and proceeded to interrogate the victim about whether he possessed narcotics or weapons.  Brown punched the victim’s face, causing him to stumble backwards into a cooler.  Brown later kicked the victim in his ribs while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground.

A federal jury last year convicted Brown, 39, of Chicago, on one count of using excessive force.  U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall imposed the 24-month sentence in federal court in Chicago.

“Even apart from the physical pain inflicted, defendant’s conduct has significant ramifications for the criminal justice system,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Romero argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Sworn law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of conduct, not merely because of the authority that they enjoy, but because society relies on their trustworthiness, their honor, and their integrity in upholding and enforcing the laws that protect the community.”

Evidence at trial revealed that the victim was compliant with Brown’s instructions and did not resist.  Brown can be seen on the video placing the victim in handcuffs and forcing him to lie on the floor.  After removing a gun from the victim’s back pocket, Brown kicked the victim in his ribs.

The sentencing was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The government is represented by Ms. Romero and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay Jenkins.