Chris Gill DOJ Complaint

February 14th, 2012 To: United States Department of Justice
Civil Rights/Special Litigations 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001
RE: Multiple complaints of police misconduct, against; Officer Christopher James Gill Employed by: Danville Indiana Police Department Previously Employed by: Paris Illinois Police Department, Atwood Illinois Police Department Victims(s): Society Introduction: Policeabuse.com, which includes; former law enforcement officers, licensed private investigates, paralegals, researchers & two court qualified experts on police practices, has been asked to evaluate complaints of police misconduct and possible crimes committed by Officer Christopher James Gill. Qualifications: Policeabuse.com is an investigative company, dedicated to evaluating complaints of police misconduct and providing victims of such complaints, with an outlet to share their experiences with the general public. Our company has been in operation for approx. 20 and has conducted more than 500 investigations during that time. As investigative journalists, our stories have received numerous acknowledgments; thus far, four Emmy awards and four Edward R. Murrow awards, for investigative journalism. Policeabuse.com is directed by Mr. Diop Kamau, who is a Court qualified Expert Witness on police practices and also a former law enforcement officer. Mr. Kamau has a combined period of approx. 9 years, as a sheriff's deputy and a police officer. A further detailed description of Mr. Kamau's qualifications can be available on request, or can viewed at www.Policeabuse.com. Many police agencies have made policy changes as a result of our investigations and hidden camera tests. Others use our video tapes or portions of our training material for in-service training. We have conducted training sessions for law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, including training and seminars for Police Chiefs. Mr. Kamau has provided training to the following law enforcement agencies and educational institutions;
Partial list: Florida Hwy. Patrol Los Angeles Police Department
Policeabuse.com
1-800-473-5097
1400 Village Square Blvd Suite 3-161 Tallahassee, FL 32312 Fax: 866-576-9993 10460 Roosevelt Blvd # 282 St. Petersburg, FL 33716 Fax: 305-675-0926
Department of Justice United States Atty.s office Los Angeles County sheriffs Broward County sheriffs Collier County sheriffs Florida State University Harvard Law school Penn State University Florida State University Florida Department of Law Enforcement Police Executive Research Forum
Task: We have been asked to provide an expert opinion, regarding the conduct of Officer Christopher Gill, who is currently employed by the Danville Indiana Police Department. Our assessment of Officer Gill's conduct is based on the facts provided in police reports, witness statements and other evidence collected during our investigation.
Background: On August 9th, 2011, our office received an email from a retired law enforcement officer, concerning the conduct of Officer Christopher Gill, of the the Danville (IN) Police Department. For the safety of him and his family, this officer requested that his name not be mentioned in our reports; but can be made available upon your written request.
The Officer, who knew Gill on both a personal and professional level, described Gill as an Officer who was dangerous and out of control. The Officer did not go into much detail, as he feared that providing us with too much information, would result in his identity being revealed. He did, however, direct us on where we would be able to find this information on our own. He also informed our staff that Gill was currently working for his Father, Keith Gill who is the Chief of the Danville (IN) Police Department and that, Gill was accused of using steroids and was also physically abusive towards his wife. The information supplied to us by the retired officer was, in our professional opinion, was enough to warrant an investigation by our staff. Investigative Summary: From August 2011 January 2012, our office submitted records requests to several agencies, requesting various information regarding the conduct of Officer Gill. In short, the records we reviewed provided strong evidence that Officer Gill had committed numerous acts of misconduct and also violated criminal laws. A review of these records also revealed that many of these acts, both on and off duty, were reported, but were never acted upon by the appropriate law enforcement agencies. This, in our opinion, indicates a gross misuse of authority, in order to protect the integrity of Officer Gill, as well as the law enforcement agencies involved. Notable information discovered through our review of Public Records: July 3rd, 2007 Officer Gill is reprimanded for allegedly misplacing evidence (drug paraphernalia) in Edgar County case #06 CM 291, The people Vs. Sanda Collins. Further research revealed that the Defendant, Sandra Collins, pleaded NOT GUILTY throughout the duration of her trial, alleging that she was never in possession of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Collins was found not guilty by a jury; The Collins allegation indicates that Officer Gill
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may have knowingly made a false arrest and knowingly wrote and submitted a false report. (Exhibit A) December 7th 2007 Edgar County Prosecutor, Allen A. Bell Jr., writes a letter to the Paris Police Chief and City Mayor, describing Officer Gill as willingly negligent in preforming his duties as a police officer. (Exhibit B) December 27th, 2007 - Gill is suspended from the Paris (IL) Police Dept. for allegedly misplacing evidence (drug paraphernalia) in Edgar County case #07 CM 188, The people Vs. Matthew Smith. Further research revealed that the Defendant, Matthew Smith, pleaded NOT GUILTY throughout the duration of his trial; alleging that he was never in possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Smith's charges were dismissed. The Collins allegation indicates the Gill may have knowingly made a false arrest and knowingly wrote and submitted a false report. (Exhibit A) October 10th, 2008 The Atwood (IL) Police Dept. received a complaint from John B. Espeland, who alleged that he was falsely arrested by Gill on 10/09/2008. Espeland went on to state that after the arrest, Gill slammed his head into the police car, prior to placing him in the back seat. Espeland also stated that, while in route to the Douglas County Jail, Gill slammed on his breaks, causing Espeland to slam into the metal cage inside the patrol car. Espeland stated that, Gill then got out of the car then opened the back door and proceeded to strike him twice and choke him for approx. 30 seconds. Upon arrival at the Douglas County Jail, Espeland advised the jail deputies about what had previously occurred with Gill. The Deputies documented and photographed Espeland's injuries and began an investigation into the matter (Douglas County Sheriff's Office Case No: 08-10-12). (Exhibit C & D) June 29th, 2009 Brandon Roberts (who is Gill's former step-son) reported to the Paris (IL) Police Department that he had been assaulted by Gill at there home. Incident # 09-0701. According to records supplied by the Paris PD, it does not appear that their agency took any action in the matter. Subsequently, Roberts filed for a restraining order against Gill. Edgar County Case No. 2010OP16. The order was granted on June 15th 2010, but was reduced to a No Contact Order. (Exhibit E &F) March 11th, 2010 Atwood Police Chief, Clifford Ponder, discovered that Officer Gill 'lost' evidence (drug paraphernalia & marijuana) in Douglas County Case No. 2010CM3, The People Vs. Larry E. Dehart. Further research revealed that the Defendant, Larry Dehart, pleaded NOT GUILTY throughout the duration of his trial; alleging that he was never in possession of drug paraphernalia or marijuana. Mr. Dehart's charges were dismissed. The Dehart allegation indicates that Gill may have knowingly made a false arrest and knowingly wrote and submitted a false report. (Exhibit G) April 1st, 2010 Joyce Abernathy (Gill's former mother-in-law) filed for a restraining order against Gill, due to repeated acts of harassment. Edgar County Case No. 2010OP14. The order was granted on June 15 th, 2010, but was reduced to a No Contact Order. On June 28th, 2010, Robert Abernathy (husband of Joyce Abernathy), reported to the Paris Police Department that Officer Gill had violated the previously granted No Contact Order, by deliberately driving in front of there home and displaying his middle finger. Incident No. 10-0761. According to records supplied by the Paris PD, it does not appear that their agency took any action in the matter. Mr. Abernathy stated that he attempted to report the matter to the Danville Police Department, but was turned away and not allowed to make the complaint. (Exhibit H & I) July 1st, 2011 Teresa Gill (Gill's former spouse) filed for a Restraining Order, due to repeated acts of abuse and harassment. Edgar County Case No. 2011OP33. The order was granted on November 15th, 2011 but was reduced to a No Contact Order. (Exhibit J)
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Professional Opinion re: records review: In reviewing the records mentioned above, it is our opinion that Officer Christopher Gill has a complete disregard for the department policies, laws & constitutional rights, that he has repeatedly sworn to uphold. From the start of Officer Gill's career as a police officer, through his resignation for the Atwood Police Department, in April of 2010, he has repeatedly violated department policies, yet somehow escaping legitimate disciplinary action. It should also be noted that; mid-2010 through the present, accounts for the time that Gill has been employed by the Danville Police Department, under the direction of his Father. This is the only time during Gill's career as a police officer, that there have not been any noted policy violations or disciplinary actions. However, our office has personally spoken to multiple individuals that have attempted to file complaints against Gill, with the Danville Police Department, but were turned away. Interviews: Throughout the course of our investigation, our office conducted several interviews with individuals who had complaints or other information concerning Officer Gill. Many of these individuals contacted our office, after finding out that we were conducting an investigation against him, via our web site.
ALL INTERVIEWS WERE RECORDED AND CAN BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Teresa Gill Prior to us receiving information concerning Officer Gill from a retired police officer in August 2011, our staff had already been communication with Teresa Gill. Teresa Gill is Officer Christopher Gill's Exwife. Initially, we made contact with Teresa Gill in late February of 2010, in which she agreed to do an interview with our Director and police misconduct expert, Diop Kamau. During the interview, Teresa explained that Gill became aggressive towards her shortly after they were married and went on to describe several incidents were he assaulted her, spit on her, and also pulled a gun her. She stated that many of the abusive acts were committed in the presence of their child. Teresa also briefly commented on Gill's use of steroids, but did not go into detail. When asked if she had attempted to report this matter to his department, she stated that she had tried numerous times, but received no assistance. She then went on to state that Chris Gill's father, Keith Gill, was the chief of the Danville Police Department. Teresa also stated during the interview that, Gill had regularly 'bragged' about acts of misconduct towards citizens he encountered as a police officer. Many of these alleged acts of misconduct seemed to have occurred while Gill was employed with the Paris (IL) and Atwood (IL) Police Departments. This concluded our initial interview with Teresa Gill. Our staff was again in contact with Teresa on August 11th, 2011, in which we conducted another interview. Teresa explained that, since her previous interview with our Director, she had again been physically assaulted by Gill. She explained that in April of 2010, she met Gill at a park in Terra Haute, IN to pick up their child and during that encounter, Gill physically assaulted her. This incident led to criminal charges being filed against Gill. That case is currently pending in Vigo County Indiana. Teresa also went to describe another incident that occurred in October 2010. She stated that the two of them meet to discuss matters related to their child. During that encounter, Gill began discussing the pending criminal charges and pleaded with Teresa to have them dropped, so that it would not effect his job as a police officer. Out of fear that she may be assaulted again, Teresa activated the video camera on her cell phone. Officer Gill was captured on video, yelling and screaming at Teresa, with their Son sitting beside him. Roughly one minute into the recording, Gill realized that Teresa was recording him. In the video, Gill can then be seen
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striking Teresa, knocking her phone from her hand. During this second interview, Teresa also went into more detail about Officer Gill's alleged steroid abuse. She stated that she has seen and photographed syringes and steroid vials, that were in Gill's possession. Those photographs have been forwarded to our office. Teresa stated that she had made several attempts to report Gill's steroid abuse to the Danville Police Department, specifically Chief Gill and that the matter was never looked into. To the present day, Teresa Gill has been in regular communication with our staff and frequently provides us with information and other evidence to support her allegations against Gill. Joyce & Robert Abernathy In November 2011, our staff contacted Joyce & Robert Abernathy, who are Teresa Gill's parents. The Abernathy's described Chris Gill's behavior as arrogant, violent & aggressive. They both went on to recall and describe several incidents where there Daughter (Teresa Gill) had been physically and mentally abused. Mrs. Abernathy also went into great detail about an incident that occurred on March 31 st, 2010. She stated Gill misused his authority as a police officer to convince the Paris Police Department to assist him in removing the child he shares with Teresa, from their custody. Mrs. Abernathy stated that she was watching the child while her Daughter was out and that Gill arrived at their home, accompanied with Paris Police Officers and demanded they turn the child over to him. Mrs. Abernathy stated that during the encounter, Gill lifted his coat and displayed his gun and police badge, which were attached to his belt. She feels that this was done in an attempt to harass and intimidate her and her husband. After reviewing the records related to this incident, it was found that Gill made a false report to the Paris Police Department, stating that Teresa sent him a text message, indicating that she was going to kill her and that he needed to pick up their child from the child's grandparents, Joyce & Robert Abernathy. Gill never offered or supplied any evidence to support this claim. As a result of this incident, Joyce & Robert Abernathy filed for a protection order. Edgar County Case No. 2010OP14. The order was granted on June 15 th, 2010, but was reduced to a No Contact Order. Lawrence W. Baty II On Dec 17th, 2011, Mr. Baty contacted our office to inform us of an encounter that occurred in February of 2008, involving Officer Gill. Mr. Baty alleged that Officer Gill knowingly and willingly, falsely arrested him for DUI and also issued two frivolous citations for minor traffic offenses. Mr. Baty alleged that, throughout the entire arrest process, he protested to Gill that he was not intoxicated and repeatedly requested to take a blood-alcohol test. He reported that Gill refused to allow him to provide a blood-alcohol sample and proceeded to arrest him. Edgar County Case No. 2008DT18 Through his attorney, Mr. Baty was able to retrieve video footage from a camera that recorded him being booked in to the Edgar County Jail. He went on to state that, after reviewing the footage, prosecutors dismissed the charges against him. Mr. Baty provided that same recording to our staff. It is our professional opinion that this recording contains irrefutable evidence, which strongly indicates that Officer Gill falsely arrested Lawrence Baty and made no attempt what-so-ever to determine Mr. Baty's blood-alcohol level, prior to charging him with D.U.I.. Yet, Officer Gill noted on his report that Baty refused the blood-alcohol test. Mr. Baty also went on to say that, prior to this incident, he has had several other 'bad encounters' with Officer Gill. Those incidents have not yet been looked into by our staff. Brandon Roberts On December 31st, 2011 Brandon Roberts contacted our office to inform us that Officer Gill was his ex-step father. We conducted an interview with Brandon, in which he described numerous incidents of physical, mental & emotional abuse by Gill, directed towards himself, his mother, his grandparents & other members of his family. For additional information, refer to the information listed previously in this complaint related to Brandon Roberts and/or to Edgar County Case No. 2010OP16, Brandon Roberts Vs. Christopher Gill & Paris PD incident No. 09-0701.
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Gregory Emberton On January 29th, 2012, Gregory Emberton contacted our office, after seeing an article published on our web site, regarding Officer Gill. Emberton, who had been mentioned in our article, stated that he was arrested by Gill on June 7th, 2009, which resulted in him filing a complaint with the Atwood Police Department and also a Civil Rights lawsuit against Gill. Emberton stated that he was the passenger in a vehicle, that was pulled over by Officer Gill. Emberton stated that the traffic stop itself, was unwarranted and that Gill's behavior was aggressive throughout the duration the encounter. Ultimately, Mr. Emberton was maced in the face by officer Gill, while he was seat belted in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Throughout the duration of the incident Emberton was unarmed and did not offer any resistance. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, which was later dismissed. Further information regarding this matter can be found in the Civil complaint submitted to The Central District of Illinois; Gregory Emberton Vs. Christopher Gill, Case No. 2011-2126 (Exhibit K) Including the above mentioned individuals, our has received a total of 43 complaints against Officer Christopher Gill. These complaints were not addressed in this letter, due to the fact that many of the individuals submitted their complaints anonymously, via our web site, out of fear that Gill would retaliate. Those complaints range from; excessive force, perjury, planting evidence, false arrests, etc.
- End of Investigative Summary
Known cases and/or investigations currently pending against Officer Christopher Gill Gregory Emberton Vs. Christopher Gill. Civil Rights Violations. Case No. 2011-2126. United States District Court For Central Illinois The State of Indiana Vs. Christopher Gill. Criminal. Cause # 84D04-1007-CM-2248 Teresa Gill on behalf of, Garrett Gill (Minor) Vs. Christopher Gill. Case No. 84D06 1201 PO 0039. Order of Protection. Vigo County Indiana. (the above mentioned protection order is currently pending in Vigo County Superior
Court and is the result of an allegation of sexual abuse, by Christopher Gill's minor child) (Exhibit L)
Conclusion and Opinions: As mentioned earlier in this complaint, our staff includes individuals who have the experience and qualifications that are necessary, in order to provide a professional and accurate opinion regarding the conduct and policing styles of Law Enforcement Officers. With that being said, it is our staff's professional opinion that Officer Christopher Gill is unfit to be a police officer. His conduct, both on and off duty, clearly indicates that he has a complete and utter disregard for the lives of the individuals he encounters on a daily basis. We also feel that if there is no intervention, Officer Gill's aggressive behavior towards others will continue to escalate to the point where more severe acts of misconduct are being committed. And based on the information we've reviewed, we also believe that Officer Gill truly has the impression that he's 'untouchable' and that no complaints filed against him will be looked into. With this type of mentality, it is almost a certainty that Officer Gill will continue on with his dangerous and careless behavior and policing style. Furthermore, our staff firmly believes that the Law Enforcement agencies that have employed Gill have done a dismal job, in regards to the hiring, training and disciplining of Officer Gill. In our expert opinion, we believe that these agencies are partly responsible for the manner in which Officer Gill carries himself; in that,
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they have repeatedly failed to properly address Gill's behavior and hold him accountable for his actions. This opinion is also extended onto the Law Enforcement Agencies that have been contacted by Teresa Gill, her family, Gregory Emberton & other individuals, to report Gill for acts of harassment, retaliation and abuse. It our request that your office look further into this matter and take the appropriate action, which you deem fit. Should your office not take action on this matter, I would respectfully that this complainant be kept on file; as I am sure you will be receiving additional complaints against this officer. Thank you very much for your time and attention in this matter. Should you need any additional materials, or contact information for the individuals listed in this complaint, it will be made available upon you written request. We, along with all of the victims of Officer Christopher Gill, eagerly await your response. Thank you. Sincerely,
Joshua Antonelli Case Manager Policeabuse.com 1-800-473-5097 ext. 2 Fax: 305-675-0926
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2/2/12
Edgar County, IL | Case Information
Edgar Count
My: Cases | Schedule | Filings | Account 2010OP16 GILL, CHRIS Case Information Case Case Category Other Litigants Role Plaintiff/Petitioner Litigant Information Full Name Date of Birth Impounded Suppress Minutes Attorney Identification None Address None Phone Numbers None Hearings Type 9 - Hearing 9 - Hearing No No BABER, BRUCE GILL, CHRIS Name 2010OP16 Civil
, IL
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Login Last Search | Information | Dispositions | History | Payments | Fines & Fee Last Update Case Type - Subtype 06/15/2010 OP - 205 Last Upload 11/06/2010 @ 09:05
Order of Protection - Order of Protection
ROBERTS, BRANDON
Role Initial Open Date Reopen Date
Defendant/Respondent 04/06/2010 04/20/2010
Physical File Location Initial Close Date Reclose Date 04/06/2010 06/15/2010
Date 04/27/2010 06/15/2010
Time 10:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.
Judge UNASSIGNED GLENN
Location 1 1
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Edgar Count
My: Cases | Schedule | Filings | Account 2010OP14 GILL, CHRISTOPHER Case Information Case Case Category Other Litigants Role Plaintiff/Petitioner Litigant Information Full Name Date of Birth Impounded Suppress Minutes Attorney Identification None Address None Phone Numbers None Hearings Type 9 - Hearing No No BABER, BRUCE Name 2010OP14 Civil
, IL
Order of Protection - Civil No Contact Order
ABERNATHY, JOYCE GILL, CHRISTOPHER Role Initial Open Date Reopen Date Defendant/Respondent 04/01/2010 Physical File Location Initial Close Date Reclose Date 06/15/2010
Date 06/15/2010
Time 9:00 A.M.
Judge GLENN
Location 1
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Edgar Count
My: Cases | Schedule | Filings | Account 2011OP33 GILL, CHRISTOPHER J Case Information Case Case Category Other Litigants Role Plaintiff/Petitioner Litigant Information Full Name Date of Birth Impounded Suppress Minutes Attorney Identification None Address City Country Phone Numbers None Hearings Type 9 - Hearing 9 - Hearing 9 - Hearing 179 - Compliance 9 - Hearing 9 - Hearing SECURED No No BABER, BRUCE Name GILL, TERESA L 2011OP33 Civil
, IL
Order of Protection - Civil No Contact Order
GILL, CHRISTOPHER J Role Initial Open Date Reopen Date Defendant/Respondent 07/01/2011 Physical File Location Initial Close Date Reclose Date 11/15/2011
State
SECURED
Postal Code
Date 07/19/2011 08/09/2011 09/12/2011 09/26/2011 10/03/2011 10/31/2011
Time 1:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. 3:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M.
Judge SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN
Location 1 1 1 1 1 1
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Chris Gill DOJ Complaint

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February 14th, 2012 To: United States Department of Justice

Civil Rights/Special Litigations 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001

Joshua Antonelli Case Manager Policeabuse.com 1-800-473-5097 ext. 2 Fax: 305-675-0926

Edgar County, IL | Case Information

Order of Protection - Order of Protection

Role Initial Open Date Reopen Date

Defendant/Respondent 04/06/2010 04/20/2010

Date 04/27/2010 06/15/2010

Time 10:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

Judge UNASSIGNED GLENN

Edgar County, IL | Case Information

Order of Protection - Civil No Contact Order

Time 9:00 A.M.

Edgar County, IL | Case Information

Order of Protection - Civil No Contact Order

Date 07/19/2011 08/09/2011 09/12/2011 09/26/2011 10/03/2011 10/31/2011

Judge SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN SULLIVAN

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