Illinois Man Charged for Falsely Accusing Officer of Excessive Use of Force

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Officials today announced an officer was cleared of false allegations of excessive use of force.

In May 2015, the ISP Division of Internal Investigation (DII), received a signed and notarized Complaint Against Department Member from Scott Wietzema, regarding an allegation of excessive force against an ISP officer. An internal investigation followed.

“The Illinois State Police officers are held to the highest standards of conduct and accountability,” said ISP Division of Internal Investigation Colonel Deborah Simental. “We take complaints against department members very seriously; however, we will not tolerate false allegations made against our officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public,” she added.

The DII obtained an arrest warrant for Scott T. Wietzema out of McDonough County for Disorderly Conduct (Class A Misdemeanor). On July 29, 2015, DII agents arrested Wietzema without incident at his place of employment in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Wietzema was unable to post bond ($3,000 / 10%) was remanded to the custody of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The ISP wants to remind the public that filing a false police report or complaint is a crime and can result in arrest and serious charges.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.