Community Services Officer Charged With Theft

A 24-year civilian community services officer of the surrendered to Lake County authorities May 10 on two felony charges pursuant to an arrest warrant issued the day before, according to a news release from the Deerfield Police Department.

Charges were sought against David C. Dowell, 50, of Wauconda after a preliminary investigation by Deerfield police discovered he was responsible for the theft of approximately $250 from money collected from parking fees according to the release. He was terminated when the activity was discovered.

“The Village of Deerfield and the Deerfield Police Department set a very high standard for the conduct of its employees and behavior of this type cannot and will not be tolerated,” Chief John Sliozis said in the release.

After the initial investigation by Deerfield Police and subsequent inquiry by special investigations division of the Lake County state’s attorney’s office, Dowell was charged with official misconduct, a Class 3 felony, and theft, a class 2 felony, according to the release.

The ongoing investigation by Deerfield Police and Lake County authorities determined Dowell committed a series of acts taking more than $500 but less than $10,000, according to the release.

According to the release, the theft charges have a potential sentence of three to seven years in jail while Dowell could serve two to five years for official misconduct, if convicted, according to the release.

Dowell appeared in Lake County Court May 10 and was released after posting the 10 percent cash portion of a $15,000 bond. He next appears in court at 10:30 a.m. May 30 in Waukegan.