Chicago Police Commander Violated Rules in Raid on Unlicensed Strip Joint, Report Says
Investigation Finds Commander Pursued Aggressive Course in Raid
An investigation into the constitutionality of Chicago police raids on an unlicensed Far South Side strip club and another building in April 2023 found that a district commander cracked down on those locations at the request of an alderman — and broke numerous rules in the process, records show.
Commander’s Actions Lead to Violation of Department Rules
Tyrone Pendarvis, commander of the Calumet District on the Far South Side, retired in August 2024, more than a year after one of his officers came forward to complain about those searches. During the early morning raids, that officer was recorded on his body-worn camera asking a fellow cop, “Is this illegal?”
No, we good, we with 500, the other officer replied, referring to the code number for Pendarvis.
Recommendations from Civilian Office of Police Accountability
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, in a report completed in November, said if Pendarvis hadn’t retired, the agency would have recommended he be fired for violating numerous department rules. COPA also recommended Sgt. Joseph Chlipala, working with Pendarvis that day, should be suspended for up to 180 days and undergo training on legally executing searches.
Supt. Larry Snelling Reacts to the Report
In a Jan. 9 letter to COPA, police Supt. Larry Snelling said he’d suspend Chlipala for a month and order the recommended training. Snelling noted Chlipala wasn’t present during the first raid but was at the second one.
“Sgt. Chlipala had the opportunity after the incident and while reviewing and approving the paperwork to learn that there was no exigency or justification for the entry, detention and search at both locations,” Snelling said, adding, “He then should have reported the misconduct.”
Pendarvis’s Response
Pendarvis couldn’t be reached for comment. Chlipala is challenging his suspension through the department’s grievance process.
Pendarvis Sought to Protect Alderman
According to the COPA investigation of the two raids that Pendarvis spearheaded in April 2023, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) contacted the commander after getting complaints about both locations, including an unlicensed strip club near 11006 S. Michigan Ave. where gunfire had been reported a week earlier.
The COPA report said Pendarvis later told investigators he was pursuing an “aggressive course” in his district and “wanted to save face” with Beale who, the report said, “had a similar vision for the district and was on the same page as the commander.”
Raids and Conduct
Shortly after midnight on April 16, 2023, Pendarvis and his officers went to 11006 S. Michigan Ave., where an intelligence officer had visited the day before and said he’d witnessed “about 40 strippers” in an unlicensed bar. The officers were allowed inside the building. They found two guns, drugs and cash, which was inventoried. COPA rejected Pendarvis’ statement that the items were found “in plain sight.”
The police asked at least one woman, wearing lingerie, to put her clothes on, and a DJ was detained. No one was arrested, but a man was issued a citation for operating a business without a city license.
Retaliation
The COPA investigators found that Pendarvis retaliated against Lt. Ernest Spradley for talking to COPA. Spradley was reassigned to an overnight shift under the pretext that tactical officers under his supervision weren’t racking up enough arrests, traffic stops, and other measures of police activity, the report said.
Kimble’s Investigation
Kimble told COPA investigators that the normal procedure to prepare for such raids would have been for the department’s vice unit to investigate. The vice unit, which handles complaints about strip clubs and illegal parties, typically uses up to 20 undercover officers to gather information on reported crimes, Kimble told COPA investigators.
Conclusion
The investigation findings highlight the need for police to follow proper procedure and protocols, especially when executing searches and arresting individuals. It is crucial to ensure that all parties involved in the process adhere to the laws and regulations guiding their actions. The incident also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within the police department to maintain public trust.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the raids?
A: The purpose of the raids was to crackdown on an unlicensed strip club and another location in the 9th district.
Q: Who requested the raids?
A: Alderman Anthony Beale (9th) requested the raids after getting complaints about both locations.
Q: What violations did Commander Pendarvis and Sgt. Chlipala commit?
A: Commander Pendarvis and Sgt. Chlipala violated several department rules during the raids, including failing to obtain search warrants and conducting unnecessary searches.
Q: What disciplinary actions were recommended?
A: The Civilian Office of Police Accountability recommended that Commander Pendarvis be fired and Sgt. Chlipala be suspended for up to 180 days.
