Sgt Fired
After dragging this out for five years, you knew Rahm was going to have the Police Board make a statement:
- In a highly unusual move, the Chicago Police Board has overruled police Supt. Garry McCarthy and fired a police sergeant whose gun was used in the shooting death of a Northwest Side woman five years ago.
McCarthy had recommended suspending Sgt. Steven Lesner, a 20-year police veteran, for 60 days. But on Thursday night, the board unanimously voted to fire Lesner, 48, over the 2009 incident in which he bought alcohol for the woman he’d just met while on duty — and for failing to secure his weapon when he returned to her Northwest Side apartment after his shift had ended.
You'd need two or three pieces of paper to list the bad choices made throughout this episode.
Labels: scandals
posted by SCC at 12:02 AM
160 Comments:
You just gotta love Lesner's response in the S-T article when he was reached by phone: "You've ruined an entire family." Still no acknowledgement or remorse concerning his own poor choices that fateful night.
I wonder who he thinks ruined his family, the press or the police board?
A laundry list of bad judgements. The guy deserved to be fired. The only tragedy is that it took this long to do it.
I'm fine with this.
Lesner probably wished he bailed and waited out the 2 years working as a greeter @ Costco until he could collect his pension.
Steve unfortunately a lot of people are goin to chime in and talk a lot of shit about you. Was this an unfortunate situation yes. I'm not going to Monday morning quarterback this. I just want to tell you but I'm very sorry. You have been my friend for many years and I'm sorry for you and your boys. It doesn't matter what people say because everyone is quick to talk shit brother. I just pray that you land on your feet and God willing things work out for u. Praying for you big time.
You might say that his headspace and timing was way off. Than again you might wonder if he had taken leave of his senses. was his firing retroactive to the time of the incident?
I remember that first week of the academy when the instructor mentioned how the "3Bs" would get more coppers in trouble on and off the job than anything else. I chuckled at the sound of it then, but boy was he ever on the money.
Stevie should be dancing a jig that all he's getting is fired with a chance to appeal via the Crook County judicial system.
The 3Bs contributed to Gregory Becker getting sentenced to prison for his 1995 off duty gaffe while out cocktailing with the gumad.
Sure, some guys beat big fuckups on this job, but the odds almost always favor such indiscretions involving one or more (or all of) the Bs resulting in very shitty endings.
Count your lucky stars, Lesner.
Sad for all involved, there is no happy ending here.
My deepest sympathy for the families.
it sucks he lost his job.. but he also lost his family, wife and now job. Think before you act. Even if she didnt kill herself and he just had a good time in her apt that night its still wrong. Married with a family out after work with some scumbag loonatic. I do feel bad for the guy, just for the fact that one bad judgement call ended up with all of this bad stuff happening.
Thanks Sgt., another black eye. I hope the piece of ass was worth losing your job and family! I hope to god there isnt a benefit for him.
Adios. estupido . .
I
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Hang in there steve. A boss that would have your back out there which is rare now a days, unfortunately. Nobody's perfect here so shut your mouths, instead you should be concerned about the police board and lately some of their decisions. It could be you one day.
Bullshit!! Steve is a decent guy who admittedly made a poor choice, he did nothing wrong that he should be fired for. He lost a lot in this ordeal and has never denied making a bad decision, his family has suffered, his children will continue to suffer all for political agenda. What Steve did was purchase liquor on duty and fail to secure his weapon, nothing more. There have been family members of police officers who have committed suicides in past years with their weapons as they unfortunately failed to secure these weapons so you tell me what is different there? Purchasing alcohol on duty... Ok I guess you got him there... Nobody has ever done this.. Nevertheless these are NOT fireable violations weather you like steve or not... Fact is they are not violations which should lead to separation. He initially got 30 days suspension and restored to full duty for over 2 years!! Worked and lo and behold the sun times re runs the story after 2 years and steve is stripped AGAIN!! This time the department hits him with a rule 2 violation for " bringing discredit upon the department" but never charged him with that the first time around!!?? So let's get this straight.... A reporter decides to run a story and the sergeant gets stripped and fired for a story that has not changed from the start but the department decides just now that all of a sudden he has brought discredit upon the department!!?? But I guess he didn't when the story originally broke years ago?? And you let him back to work the streets as a full duty sergeant?? Again... Like him, hate him... Whatever.. You must look at the case for what it is and the allegations for what they are and nothing more... He did not deserve to be fired. The woman as we later pears through discovery has several prior suicide attempts and was on several anti depressants unknown to Steve until after thee incident as he had only " known" her for all of a couple hours.. Medical records confirmed this and unfortunately when Steve went to use the restroom this small window of opportunity allowed this woman to take steves weapon and unfortunately complete the task she had failed to complete several times in the past.... In essence he provided the "tool" to complete the task. Steve has to live with this every day... He never wanted this to happen.. He is a good person he admitted his mistake but did not deserve to be fired. Please support steve don't slander the guy because now he will be battling his emotions and not just fighting for a job but quite possibly fighting for his life.
A Sgt in 016 got fired for slappin the crap out of some drunk asshole who thru beer in his face. How come they didn't wait 5 years to fire him? He had 18 years on. They would of only had to wait 2 years. This city is so corrupt it makes me sick.
She's an adult, you can buy alcohol for an adult. Failing to secure weapon - OK. But 20 years down the toilet seems a bit harsh. Again she's a grown adult woman.
This guy is a total goof and gives us a bad name. I do not wish him any harm or bad luck but it's a good thing he is gone.
It's the right decision no need to go any further.
We have a number of goofs with stripes on this department. I could name a few but I won't -- lol
Sorry but hate to see anyone lose their job so close to the end but, we can all read in-between the lines on this one. Sounds like its what had to be done!
He deserved it. Real d-bag move. It's people like this Sgt that make it hard as f to do this job. Classic "what the hell is the matter with you" move...anyway, I think they got this correct.
FINALLY!!!
Steve, stay strong and don't listen to the ignorant people leaving hateful messages. A lot of people are praying for you and your family. This is politics at its worst.
7/18/2014 12:50:00 AM
Thank you! Look, this Sgt. made a very bad decision. While on duty he should not have hit on and even later that night met up with this woman. He should have secured his gun. The list goes on. But in the end it's not like he killed her. He just made a small error in judgement. Anyone one of us at anytime can make a small error in judgment and it could end up biting us in the ass.
Situation sucks for Sgt L, but I wish McCrimeisdown had shown others leniency. Bad decision waiting for the police board to side with an idiot on top of other bad decisions. Time to move on.
What a total douchebag.
Thank goodness he was fired.
Who would want to work for or with a Sgt who meets a tramp on duty, then goes to her place right after work to screw her.
Either he is incompitent or doesn't care. Either way he needed to be fired. He could ruin other officers careers if he stayed on the job.
Merit sergeant right? That's all I need to know. Fuck him
Was he merit and if he was who sponsored him?
I believe he'll get his job back through the chancery court.
I was not present that evening with Sgt. Lessner, although I have read the facts presented in this case, and I definitely do not agree with how this entire incident was handled. Incident occurs and no doubt fault and bad decisions were made, punishment was handed down, and Sgt. Lessner returned to the job. That is where it should end. Anything after that is a political or personal agenda. From the person who tipped the reporter, the reporter, or the Supt. for requesting another look in order to show he's tough on cops that make bad decisions, the board, or the mayor for swaying the board in order to grab a few votes. Sgt. Lessner no doubt made a terrible decision, but he was a great copper and a great working Sgt. He had your back and supported working coppers. Those type of bosses are becoming very rare and hate to lose one. Sgt. Lessner has a appeal process and I hope he takes advantage of that process. Let's remember he was punished once, the powers to be were not satisfied with the outcome and they decided try again until they got the outcome the were looking for.
Some of you need to drop that "Entitlement" mentality that we love to criticize in Dude. Nobody is "Entitled" to this Job, even those who are wired or descended from Bosses. The Sgt. screwed up and someone lost their life, he needs to go. Especially if the story that he called his attorney before he called 911.
It is sad to say that is the price you pay for always thinking with the little head instead of the big head.
Some unanswered questions, don't you think. The residue was on her left hand but the wound was to the right temple. The only people in the apartment were the two of them. She was highly unstable, and that could have led to a lot of things. He didn't belong there and had a lot to lose if anyone found out what had happened up to that point. If all that information is part of your investigation, and you interview him, and this is a trained police officer who knows what happens in investigations, and he tells you he washed his hands?
It's clearly a declination. But on the administrative side, under these circumstances it's hard to justify a suspension. He had to go. If you ask me, it could have been a lot worse for him.
I have no faith in our police board, if you had people with some experience in law enforcement or even some knowledge of our city instead of liberals who hate the police, McCarthy did the right thing but the board should have no override powers, Good luck on your appeal Steve, and once again the News media got him fired, they stick their noses into things not involving them , Hey News people why not use all your Bullshit time to investigate Daley and his clan, Why? because your newspapers are afraid of the politicians. Rat Bastards
What are the "3B"? Booze, Broads, and ????
I know Steve, he fucked up. He is his own worst enemy. This is total bullshit!!! This is not a fireable transgression. He never lied on paper. I pray he sues and wins. This decision basically let the media fire somebody. I don't want that to ever happen to me.
We have assholes on this job who should be in prison that are still working the streets. These clowns have cost the city plenty of $$$ and bad press beyond all belief. The double standard never ends.
Lesner was warned about his proclivities, and yet that hillbilly, dumb-shit Sam Christian made him a meritorious sergeant.
There's something to be said for staying on the straight and narrow. I only know that because I failed to do it years ago and my family suffered because of my selfishness. An ugly divorce followed, and things were never the same. Looking back, it definitely wasn't worth the damage I caused. And I'd never do anything that stupid again--but we all make our own mistakes, guys. Who can throw the first stone?
guy is a clouted up psychopath.... should of been fired years ago
I agree because I count at least two families ruined.
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You just gotta love Lesner's response in the S-T article when he was reached by phone: "You've ruined an entire family." Still no acknowledgement or remorse concerning his own poor choices that fateful night.
I wonder who he thinks ruined his family, the press or the police board?
7/18/2014 12:10:00 AM
"Bullshit!! Steve is a decent guy who admittedly made a poor choice, he did nothing wrong that he should be fired for. He lost a lot in this ordeal and has never denied making a bad decision, his family has suffered, his children will continue to suffer all for political agenda. What Steve did was purchase liquor on duty and fail to secure his weapon, nothing more. There have been family members of police officers who have committed suicides in past years with their weapons as they unfortunately failed to secure these weapons so you tell me what is different there? Purchasing alcohol on duty... Ok I guess you got him there..."
Hey dumbass, after his extra marital fun he left his gun out!! That night he made a laundry list of terrible choices, he should of been fired years ago. Clearly you are his friend but jeez dude! No one wishes Steve any harm but if you can't see what he did should cost him his job you are nuts!!! He didn't seem to care about his wife and kids when he dropped his pants that night either. It's idiots like you that defend these mindless brain dripping actions that give coppers who use ordinary common sense a bad name!!
No need to kick a man when he is down, hopefully he will be ok
Awwwwww a political must do.......Remember this job as great as it is cause we could ALL be working for a living will fuck you at the end. Make wise decisions and move on stay safe.
There are cops that think with the wrong head. Somehow, you knew this would catch up to one of them someday. The someday has came for the Sgt. Do coppers ever stop to think we are held to a higher standard. 20-30 years ago, it may have been a different story. But now even if you look at somebody wrong, they will throw you under a bus. This isn't the police department of years ago, when you were old school.
Sgt Lesner used his position to get the upper hand in this situation for the purpose of his own sexual gratification and it ended in the death of a civilian. We are sworn to uphold the law and most of us do that with honor on a daily basis. What about being a decent person with some sort of morals. Lesner was a married man looking to cheat on his wife and used the job to further his interest in a woman who was vulnerable. The clout that got him his merit promotion probably was the reason this punishment wasn't handed down years ago. Glad he was fired!
Cops have been fired for less and a lot quicker, and they too admitted their mistake. Sorry, Steve, but you should have been fired after the incident. I find it hard to believe that this was the first time you ever associated with a "victim" and had bad luck. And yes, there are many many cops who actually work hard and go home every night and live a quiet pure, yet miserable, life.
Hang in there...you'll be back!
Bottom line here, great merit selection by Sam Christian.
We all make bad decisions and sometime think with the wrong head. Dealing with a depressed drunk is never a pleasant ordeal. Leaving your weapon unattended anywhere is too.
They fired this guy for a bad decision. Let it be another example, and there are plenty more that occurred, of how a liberal CPD Board can treat you, regardless of your previous service to this City.
Now, if you want to make a bad decisions and lose or divert millions of taxpayer dollars for your benefit...run for Mayor.
You have to think about these incidents as if the girl was your daughter. Would you sAy hey it's ok I understand how this could have happened. Hell no!
He's a Sergeant of police. He responded to a domestic disturbance where the participants were highly intoxicated and decided to drive the "victim" home stopping to get her more alcohol. Then returnedI to her residence " off duty" a short time later the same day with more alcohol. What was he gonna do console her? Counsel her? No he went there for one reason an attempt to have sex with her. He's a preadator. And by the way I'm pretty sure he's a merit Sgt. Stop protecting these people. They make honest hard working cops look bad.
It's obvious that normally this sergeant is probably a decent guy. I get that. But on that fateful night, one bad decision after another, and who was there to make those choices? He chose to make those bad decisions. And an innocent woman lost her life as a result. He certainly had no business going to that woman's apartment after his shift, feeding her booze, etc. This is not the way professionals are supposed to behave. And how many times have we seen/condoned/looked the other way for this type of behavior?
We are entrusted by the public to perform a task. You cannot reasonably expect the public, nor the police board, to have sympathy for you if you try to take advantage of, and move in on a vulnerable young woman after a domestic, that you just handled. Violate the public's trust at your own peril. This kind of crap makes everyone look bad. Sorry, but nice guy or not, when you make everyone look bad with this kind of crap, it's time for you to go.
Nothing good comes from drinking n womanizing ....
Good , one less problem child .
Now go after the coppers on duty disability pension , plenty could be working .
Slowdown all you PPOs. Wait till you fuck up. I know him he's a great guy cooter said
Anonymous said...
Hang in there steve. A boss that would have your back out there which is rare now a days, unfortunately. Nobody's perfect here so shut your mouths, instead you should be concerned about the police board and lately some of their decisions. It could be you one day.
7/18/2014 02:57:00 AM
No, it won't be me one day. Not for something like this.
I don't know the sgt personally, but the facts as presented warrant him being fired.
Not all officers fired are victims of an unjust discipline system
does he still get his pension.?
This will all be settled by the courts and he will be restored to full employment should he pursue the matter.
This is almost guaranteed by the fact that McStreetlights DID NOT support his termination to begin with. Now he needs to work with a livable wage until the courts order him rehired complete with back pay.
This is an unfortunate situation for all, but the right result. This sergeant showed extremely poor judgment and caused immeasurable damage to the Department's reputation. In just about any private-sector job this alone would be more than enough to terminate someone's employment.
Bad judgement by one, (unfairly) hurts every officer on CPD.
The way I heard them from some old timer. Broads ,brutality, bullets, bucks and booze. Ahem I've been guilty of a few of these.
I agree, he should not have been fired. The city once again shows how contradicting it is and idiotic the sun-times is. Good luck to the member.
Its an election year. Be careful.
The idiot got what he deserved!
Her suicide is not his fault- she could've done that a million other ways without his weapon. Unfortunately it's the combination of bad decisions that really paints a bad picture for the Sgt. I do feel sorry for him and most of all his family. We have to remind ourselves that we are members of the public trust, and understand that our actions are constantly under scrutiny. All the good we do everyday is easily forgotten when the media breaks the next big story of an officer's indiscretion. Bad news sells better than good, and even when a bad event is justifiable it can be spun to look worse for the sake of attention.
Anonymous said...
Lesner probably wished he bailed and waited out the 2 years working as a greeter @ Costco until he could collect his pension.
7/18/2014 12:22:00
He will still collect a pension when he turns 50.
Sure, some guys beat big fuckups on this job, but the odds almost always favor such indiscretions involving one or more (or all of) the Bs resulting in very shitty endings.
Count your lucky stars, Lesner.
7/18/2014 12:55:00 AM
True, very true and has been for generations. But, some guys just either don't listen or don't believe.
People are fired for much less in suburban and other cities departments. It has been pretty tough for the most part to get fired from the CPD.
Bottom line is stupid choices. None of them "fireable". The Police Board was hand picked by tiny dancer. This is a political move. Nothing else. Watch your selves, it could be you next for some minor stupidity. I am saddened for his boys and for Steve himself. While it is true that he made the poor choices that ultimitely lead to the tragedy of death, 9.5 is the one using this as a political agenda. Nobody more than Steve himself feels the weight of this womans death, and he has repeatedly expressed his regret and sorrow for his actions. Good luck pal, from a Saint n Rambler.
steve lesner should have been fired a long time ago. I saw a chink in his character back while he was in the academy back in 1993. This is a credit to exempt rank first name Sam last name starts with "C" who made him. Maybe that exempt should be fired too. This is just an example of a poor Merit Sgt. Stay tuned there will be more like him.
Sorry, FOS (Friends of Steve) He was an adultering cop, slept with this woman, and his weapon is his responsibility. At all times.He sould have been fired 2 years ago. The fact that his family and job are "ruined" are no one's fault but his own, end of story.
working police officers who had to work hard to get where they are and have never been handed anything are fine with this decision. He's had clout since he got on and all clout babies are stepping up and trying to stick up for him. He made a mistake being a sgt. in charge of officers you would think he would exercise his better judgement. His family was ruined and his kids will be put thru some rough times because S. Lesner put them in that situation so if anyone didn't care for his family it was him. Any other officer would have been fired a loooooong time ago. Good Riddance, he was a terrrible sgt. in midnights...I actually had the unfortunate luck to work for him.
Merit or study group ?
Very sad for the guy. He lost all and he needs prayers and not slander.
All of us should thank God we are not in his shoes. Hang in there and hope you will get through this terrible ordeal.
Not one of us is perfect and it only takes a moment of lack of judgement to fall on your face.
He makes me sick, not to mention he passed people over getting a merit sergeant promotion. Shocked he not sitting in the in a cell for manslaughter.
The board is appointed.
They will vote how Rahmfather wants!
SO what is the Sgt's union going to do?
That's right the Sgt's have a union but are they defending him?
We all make are own luck...
Family First. Sgt received what he deserved! He has more time now to chase tail.
I wonder who he thinks ruined his family, the press or the police board?
7/18/2014 12:10:00 AM
How about the man in the mirror? This is the brick wall Steve has been speeding towards his whole career. He finally hit it.
There are some that did worse and got less. There are some that did less and got more. Some get what's coming.
To the one who is worried about the Police Board: Most of us on the job have never given the Police Board a second thought. Most of us never will. Better look in your mirror.
All I can say is the only people in this city who will think badly of other Chicago Police Officers, because of something one of them did, are already life-long cop-haters who are mostly criminals, crazy-ass ghetto trash and ignoramus liberals with their heads up their butts.
Don't let the few trashing CPD speak for the majority of us. We al love our Chicago Police Officers. You are the greatest. Thanks for your service and be extra careful and extra prepared these days, please!
Stay away from Icky Girls.
HE DID THIS SHIT IN 019. Guy is OK but has a sex problem and IS CONNECTED, former SOS after 019 tact with a few years on the job then made sgt with a 30k bump in pay and got 017??? ALL the NON CLOUTED sgts get shit spots and he gets 017?? 5 years on admin. leave and collected a check I'm guessing? YOU GOOFS would be fired with NO PAY immediately. WAKE UP PEOPLE
A Sgt in 016 got fired for slappin the crap out of some drunk asshole who thru beer in his face. How come they didn't wait 5 years to fire him? He had 18 years on. They would of only had to wait 2 years. This city is so corrupt it makes me sick.
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You answered your own question.
Anonymous said...
Steve unfortunately a lot of people are goin to chime in and talk a lot of shit about you. Was this an unfortunate situation yes. I'm not going to Monday morning quarterback this. I just want to tell you but I'm very sorry. You have been my friend for many years and I'm sorry for you and your boys. It doesn't matter what people say because everyone is quick to talk shit brother. I just pray that you land on your feet and God willing things work out for u. Praying for you big time.
_____________________
There is not enough known to make some kind of judgement? I know, we were not there and do not know what happened and the guy deserves to be Superintendent of Chicago. I know that he was the real police. And I know that .... You know the spiel by now.
Some of us have a brain and are able (and are allowed to) make inferences and come to conclusions.
He ALREADY was stripped and took time for this. A few years later he is stripped AGAIN... FOR THE SAME CASE, and is now fired. This is little more than rahm stoking the flames. His offenses? Purchasing alcohol on duty and not securing firearm off duty. That's. It. He lost his wife due to this, which pretty much is punishment enough for adultry. Now he's fired after already taking suspension time and after being offered another suspension to which he tried to accept? Hello? Union? This should scare the crap out of any copper who ever received any level of discipline because this shows your case is never REALLY over....
F this guy. Think before you do shit. Bottom line. You go to this woman's house with alcohol, armed ... Looking for a good time Sgt ??? What about your wife and kids ?? You deserve all of this. Who could possibly feel bad for this guy?!! C'mon people.
I love the "what a good boss, do anything for ya "oh my. I don't care what kind of boss you are. You are not being a good person when making those decisions. Taking advantage of your job. I see it every day this Married Sgt in my district screwing (literally), this co-coworker. All cause he can ..., And he does. Real nice huh.
Lesner was given the gift of merit sgt and what did he do ? He shit on it like his career !
Cry me a river and take a jump in after you had your say on this blog but LESNER is and will always be a stroke !
Couldn't happen to nicer guy.
“All I’ve ever done on this job is lock people up. . . . You’ve ruined an entire family,”
no you didn't , you jumped on the paper !
i'm sorry for saying things about you steve. But there still true !
I was wondering did sam christian show up at the police board to tell them what a swell guy you are ?
Hang in there steve. A boss that would have your back out there which is rare now a days, unfortunately. Nobody's perfect here so shut your mouths, instead you should be concerned about the police board and lately some of their decisions. It could be you one day.
7/18/2014 02:57:00 AM
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I am not shutting my mouth. Some of us are not that retarded. This went beyond a mistake. Many of us are able to think a situation two steps ahead before we act. But I love your logic that there are other problems out there; so, that means that this incident is not a problem and not even the Sergeant's fault.
People like you make me look gifted.
👋👋bye bye Steve !
Don't pass judgement, be glad it wasn't you
Mmmm-Hmmmm...
You guys need to learn this lesson.
Leave these broads the fuck alone...
ESPECIALLY on DUTY!
And if you want to date, mate and fuck around off
duty, don't let her know you're The Police.
A preventable tragedy.
7/18/2014 02:57:00 AM doubt this will happen to me. I come to work do my job to the best of my ability follow my general orders and know what I can and can do according to the contract and I go home to be with my family. this sgt was A "fuck-up not to mention a horrible leader. More bosses should be held accountable for their actions but they aren't. Good riddance to dead weight. Don't compare coppers that have common sense and integrity to this loser.
He should have been suspended and demoted. Nothing more.
Anonymous said...
A Sgt in 016 got fired for slappin the crap out of some drunk asshole who thru beer in his face. How come they didn't wait 5 years to fire him? He had 18 years on. They would of only had to wait 2 years. This city is so corrupt it makes me sick.
7/18/2014 03:50:00 AM
Were you there when the drunk asshole was actually hit Sgt O? IF you were then please carry on with your story although Stevie Wonder can see it better pal.
"Bullshit!! Steve is a decent guy who admittedly made a poor choice, he did nothing wrong that he should be fired for. He lost a lot in this ordeal and has never denied making a bad decision, his family has suffered, his children will continue to suffer all for political agenda. What Steve did was purchase liquor on duty and fail to secure his weapon, nothing more. There have been family members of police officers who have committed suicides in past years with their weapons as they unfortunately failed to secure these weapons so you tell me what is different there? Purchasing alcohol on duty... Ok I guess you got him there..."
Hey dumbass, after his extra marital fun he left his gun out!! That night he made a laundry list of terrible choices, he should of been fired years ago. Clearly you are his friend but jeez dude! No one wishes Steve any harm but if you can't see what he did should cost him his job you are nuts!!! He didn't seem to care about his wife and kids when he dropped his pants that night either. It's idiots like you that defend these mindless brain dripping actions that give coppers who use ordinary common sense a bad name!!
7/18/2014 09:14:00 AM
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I second the motion to call the the retarded guy (or gal) a dumb ass. The logic is just fool proof. Many officer have failed to secure their weapons before, so it is of no consequence that this sergeant failed to secure his weapon. We have some of the best and the brightest working with us. (I have seen that kind of logic before. It came from a supervisor who attempted to justify and downplay something illegal; the guy is probably a supervisor.)
"let he who be without sin, cast the first stone"
Bottom line is do the right thing. We all have made bad decisions. I am one CCSD over a BS secondary employment.4.5 yrs. later and im going back. It really sucked I didnt break no laws, never wrote up in ten years. But Administration stretched this thing as long as they could. They dont care about you or your family. Be careful out there and before you do something think ABOUT WHAT IT COULD COST YOU.
be safe
Some of you need to drop that "Entitlement" mentality that we love to criticize in Dude. Nobody is "Entitled" to this Job, even those who are wired or descended from Bosses. The Sgt. screwed up and someone lost their life, he needs to go. Especially if the story that he called his attorney before he called 911.
I'm pretty sure calling 911 wouldn't have done that woman any good. I see no issue with him calling his attorney first.
In 1972 it was 4 Bs. Bullets, Broads, Bucks and Booze In 2014 they are the same. Disrespect any or all any eventually you will pay the check!
If that was truly the answer to the S-T, arrogant!
Steve, stay strong and don't listen to the ignorant people leaving hateful messages. ...........
Really? Because people agree with the decision they are ignorant? Get a clue, just because we are the police doesn't automatically put us in the right and justify everything we do. Its unfortunate and sad , but the ignorance lies with you.
There by the grace of God go I
Remember the north side cops that got fired after driving a drunk female home and buying her more booze. They were fired ! Right decision !
He hit the 3fer.
Bullets
Broads
Booze
All in one incident. That takes some talent.
That being said in the department I retired from our version of the police board could reduce punishment from the chief, but not increase it.
I don't like the idea of the board being able to increase punishment. Of course too often fuck ups with clout get some "consideration" from the chief, but life is never truly fair or perfect.
If this guy has his twenty years in, as the story says, can he collect a pension now or when he turns 50-55?
Anonymous said...
Don't pass judgement, be glad it wasn't you
7/18/2014 05:31:00 PM
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Here is another retarded inbred.... I should not be glad that it was not me because I did not do with the inbred dumb ass sergeant did.
He gone no loss should of never been hired, now about that pension hope it stays in the fund, streetwise Stevie! We aren't talking about cheating this is a hiomicide 3 hours powder check he washed his hands thoroughly fu Steve your lucky to just lose the job, asshat you made us look bad real bad!
To all of you jagoffs out there talking shit..steve NEVER had sex with this woman which was proven in an autopsey hateful motherfuckers.
Were you there when the drunk asshole was actually hit Sgt O? IF you were then please carry on with your story although Stevie Wonder can see it better pal.
Where you? I know the story.
What a shame. Don't know the sgt. or the deceased, but this seemed to be a double tragedy waiting to happen. One life lost and certainly a family grieving; one's family and livelihood lost, again grieving family members. No winners here. But there are lessons to be learned from this. I don't know if this woman contemplated suicide prior to this, or suffered from a mental illness, but if so, this was one hell of an opportunistic situation. And opportunity almost worked for the sgt. too, in that he probably thought it was going to be a good night for him. All I can say is go home after work, and secure those weapons.
The drunk that was slapped by Sgt O in 016, was a deputy commissioner at O'Hare. That's why Bill I was fired. And yes, though not the original poster, I was there.
Does he get to collect a pension? What happens in this scenario,
To all of you out there throwing stones, I'm sure if you were the working police then you have likely done something for which you could have been fired. You just didn't get caught. Lesner stayed on the scene and made the notification. You don't think he knew what would be coming his way.
Either way do you think his kids deserve now deserve to lose the things that Steve was able to provide for them ?
It's more suspect that they waited until he had over 20 years on the job to fire him. He was not convicted of a felony crime in a court of law, so his pension will be his some day.
Once again, clout rules. Which is why he maintained such arrogance with his comment to the press trying to shift blame. He knew the fix was in for him to get fired after he got his 20 years in. He's quite satisfied.
Did this victims family sue? I don't recall.
Don't pass judgement, be glad it wasn't you
7/18/2014 05:31:00 PM
What skeletons do you have in your closet to print that shit? Decent people GET to pass judgment. People that lead good lives GET to wag their fingers at the goofs that don't....like you.
Honey Badgers.
All you guys talking shit, he was punished once and like Cozzi, they came back for a second helping of punishment to suit their purposes. Cozzi got prison, so he was fired the second time around and Lesner got fired the second time around.
I hope some of you self righteous dipshits don't have any resolved CR's that the city might decide to reopen for you. Then we can all talk about what a scumbag you were when you get another punishment.
Anonymous said...
To all of you jagoffs out there talking shit..steve NEVER had sex with this woman which was proven in an autopsey hateful motherfuckers.
7/18/2014 09:56:00 PM
If he was slick enough to wash his hands, who's to say he didn't clean "other" parts of anatomies before calling his lawyer, calling his clout and only THEN dialing 911?
Besides...you're waaayyyyyyy of point here, missing totally the much bigger picture (as explained by SEVERAL posters with common sense and human decency). So allow me to clarify just one last time here...
HE'S A FUCKING PREDATOR WHOSE ATTEMPT AT A CONQUEST WENT SOUTH. WAY SOUTH.
And ANYONE defending his actions or saying "it coulda been anyone of us" is a fucking moron.
He didn't have sex with her because she was dead before he got to throw his c*&k into her. But let's all chime in now to defend what a "great guy Steve is because he didn't go all necrophiliac on her".
You're a fucking dickbag, pal.
Got another problem Sgt in 017. He has a "thing" for the transvestite prostitutes....
"Politics" "Bad judgement" "The media" NOTHING but excuses. HE alone was responsible for his weapon. He didnt take due care of it, and someone died. SHE paid the price for his failure. He only lost a job. And to you people making excuses for him, what if she took the weapon and wasnt suicidal but HOMICIDAL and killed one of your family members?
Anonymous said...
steve lesner should have been fired a long time ago. I saw a chink in his character back while he was in the academy back in 1993. This is a credit to exempt rank first name Sam last name starts with "C" who made him. Maybe that exempt should be fired too. This is just an example of a poor Merit Sgt. Stay tuned there will be more like him.
7/18/2014 12:38:00 PM
The only exempt named "Sam" with a last name ending in "C" retired 5-6 years ago, moron.
Anonymous said...
To all of you out there throwing stones, I'm sure if you were the working police then you have likely done something for which you could have been fired. You just didn't get caught. Lesner stayed on the scene and made the notification. You don't think he knew what would be coming his way.
Either way do you think his kids deserve now deserve to lose the things that Steve was able to provide for them ?
7/19/2014 12:13:00 AM
Really? So you're comparing being the "real police" to this? How's this. If he wasn't thinking about his kids and everything they are losing, why should I?
Got another problem Sgt in 017. He has a "thing" for the transvestite prostitutes...
I bet he is on 3rd watch too. Ask him about Champ. Funny how Karma comes rolling up to kick you in the ass huh?
There by the grace of God go I
7/18/2014 08:42:00 PM
Again, Really? Which God has carried you through such incidents like this? I'll be honest. One time I unwittingly stumbled into a domestic, then I drove the woman home, stopping for wine, all with the hopes of gettin' laid out of the deal. BUT it was my wife and she didn't end up dead.
Anonymous said...
There by the grace of God go I
7/18/2014 08:42:00 PM
TRUE!
There is something fundamentally wrong about two reporters who hate police officers and fire fighters deciding how much punishment is enough.
I can just see Fusco and Novak sitting back and laughing their ass off reading these posts. They decide to crucify a guy in their "story" and then watch as his fellows shred him here too. Talk about being manipulated.
93-2B...I dunno. Maybe Bob Tapia was right about the homeroom, after all.
To all of you out there throwing stones, I'm sure if you were the working police then you have likely done something for which you could have been fired. You just didn't get caught. Lesner stayed on the scene and made the notification. You don't think he knew what would be coming his way.
Either way do you think his kids deserve now deserve to lose the things that Steve was able to provide for them ?
7/19/2014 12:13:00 AM
What the fuck are talking about? He should have used his brain and thought about his kids instead of his dick. He exhibited galacticlly bad judgement and character, but you think it's all good because he has kids.
How far out on the Lts list is he? When he wins his appeal the Entertainment Detail awaits...
What a stroke, he should have been fired long ago. Don't let a stranger crazy drunk lady get at your gun, don't even put yourself in that situation. Don't ever slap a cuffed prisoner. And don't drive drunk and kill people. You all give the rest of us a bad name.
That being said in the department I retired from our version of the police board could reduce punishment from the chief, but not increase it.
I don't like the idea of the board being able to increase punishment. Of course too often fuck ups with clout get some "consideration" from the chief, but life is never truly fair or perfect.
If this guy has his twenty years in, as the story says, can he collect a pension now or when he turns 50-55?
7/18/2014 09:03:00 PM
Not true. Suspensions are governed by state law. The superintendent can only suspend for up to 60 days ( used to be 30) but he can recommend anything to the police board. The board can suspend for years and have done so or they can dismiss. These cases always go to the city attorney for their recommendations. I have seen people fired for far less then this case and I have seen people get virtually nothing for far worse. makes you think does it not? So I am in the corner of those that say, " be thankful it was not you", in the light of saying most would not do what this sergeant did, but most do things that have gotten people fired in the past. I worked in IAD for a few years and I have seen what goes on there.
Anonymous said...
This will all be settled by the courts and he will be restored to full employment should he pursue the matter.
This is almost guaranteed by the fact that McStreetlights DID NOT support his termination to begin with. Now he needs to work with a livable wage until the courts order him rehired complete with back pay.
7/18/2014 11:21:00 AM
Anyone who has knowledge of how the courts have ruled in the past in police dismissal cases would find the above statement laughable. Even if he does get back on through the courts, back pay usually is not given as the police board just increases the suspension to cover the time off the job.
Anonymous said...
Got another problem Sgt in 017. He has a "thing" for the transvestite prostitutes....
7/19/2014 03:52:00 AM
Got any pictures?
Anonymous said...
Does he get to collect a pension? What happens in this scenario,
7/18/2014 11:18:00 PM
If he does have clout he will wind up working at the airport of Streets & San.
Anonymous said...
You just gotta love Lesner's response in the S-T article when he was reached by phone: "You've ruined an entire family." Still no acknowledgement or remorse concerning his own poor choices that fateful night.
I wonder who he thinks ruined his family, the press or the police board?
7/18/2014 12:10:00 AM
So I guess this sort of screwed up Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Lesner Household. Fathers Day and Mothers Day also.
Anonymous said...
Got another problem Sgt in 017. He has a "thing" for the transvestite prostitutes....
7/19/2014 03:52:00 AM
and your point is?
Anonymous said...
That being said in the department I retired from our version of the police board could reduce punishment from the chief, but not increase it.
I don't like the idea of the board being able to increase punishment. Of course too often fuck ups with clout get some "consideration" from the chief, but life is never truly fair or perfect.
If this guy has his twenty years in, as the story says, can he collect a pension now or when he turns 50-55?
7/18/2014 09:03:00 PM
Not true. Suspensions are governed by state law. The superintendent can only suspend for up to 60 days ( used to be 30) but he can recommend anything to the police board. The board can suspend for years and have done so or they can dismiss. These cases always go to the city attorney for their recommendations. I have seen people fired for far less then this case and I have seen people get virtually nothing for far worse. makes you think does it not? So I am in the corner of those that say, " be thankful it was not you", in the light of saying most would not do what this sergeant did, but most do things that have gotten people fired in the past. I worked in IAD for a few years and I have seen what goes on there.
7/19/2014 11:29:00 AM
Did I say I was retired from an Illinois department? The laws apparently differed between these two states.
In any case does he get a pension or will he in a few years?
YES He gone Another Great Leader of the White Shirt
He gets no pension, he will get his own money plus interest, had he retired prior to the decision then yes, he would get that amount of pension, but since he was fired by the board no pension, unless a deal was made for him to resign and retire.
Unless he is convicted of a felony, related to his job, he will get his pension. Ever hear of Jon Burge?
Anonymous said...
Some unanswered questions, don't you think. The residue was on her left hand but the wound was to the right temple. The only people in the apartment were the two of them. She was highly unstable, and that could have led to a lot of things. He didn't belong there and had a lot to lose if anyone found out what had happened up to that point. If all that information is part of your investigation, and you interview him, and this is a trained police officer who knows what happens in investigations, and he tells you he washed his hands?
It's clearly a declination. But on the administrative side, under these circumstances it's hard to justify a suspension. He had to go. If you ask me, it could have been a lot worse for him.
7/18/2014 08:20:00 AM
AMEN BROTHER! Worked in Violent Crimes for 20 years. This one had stink all over it. Could not have paraphrased it better.
I remember when the Captain in 025 told him he was the worst Sgt in the history of the CPD.Ouch.
can someone please answer this. Does he get to keep his pension? I'm sure that someone in the f o p reads the blog. someone with little time on the job.
How does it come to be the guy gets banged twice for the same incident?
Steve is a good guy. Was a good sgt too. For all of those that didn't secure their guns, even in their own home or cars, u should be fired too. Just a couple of low-life weasels calling the sun times made this happen. F U L.G. And J.S. Remember , the papers only tell u bad things cops do so don't pass judgement off of that
Anonymous said...
Steve is a good guy. Was a good sgt too. For all of those that didn't secure their guns, even in their own home or cars, u should be fired too. Just a couple of low-life weasels calling the sun times made this happen. F U L.G. And J.S. Remember , the papers only tell u bad things cops do so don't pass judgement off of that
7/20/2014 07:21:00 PM
__________________
You are simply an imbred retard. This knuckle dragger who was married was looking to score and by his own admission left his firearm unsecured and accessible to a stranger. Those are the minimum of facts that are known. I am not passing judgement. I am allowed to use some intelligence to come to a conclusion. I know that Steve was the real police, right on! Steve was the best supervisor, right on! This could happen to anyone, right on! Be glad that it was not you (even though I am not retarded and did not do what Steve did), right on!
You have too much street smarts and not enough college.
The lead investigator who testified in court was the sgts team mate on the hockey team. No GSR test to sgt. Regardless of him saying he washed his hands. No GSR to either of their clothes. Another sloppy investigation? How interesting, Yea, just thank your lucky ass sarge.
He gets fired and Teddy Kennedy was acclaimed a great man. What a great country.
7:21p.m.LG says FU. Had nothing to do with it. In the begining nor the end. That was all one person. As for the other person, I can not say. LG just busted SL's balls...but at least he did it to his face. Not like you.
Does he have a viable appeal? If not I'm sure he does not get a pension, just the money he contributed plus interest. Is there a fundraiser planned for him?
Agree or disagree with the resolution of this case is a personal matter. Countless officers who read and write on this blog have at one time or another screwed up and made a bad decision. Yes, everyone has done that. It is impossible to follow every general order, special order and rule and regulation to the letter. If you are going to write that you are the exception and have never made a bad decision or done something wrong you are just not being honest with yourself. I have personally observed the righteous officer flirting on duty with a female who comes up to him, therefore rendering him inattentive to duty. Yes, righteous officer that is against a conduct order and subject to a SPAR. So, before you pass judgement look yourself in the mirror and realize that at any given time you could be the subject of a reporter, or politician or connected member of the community looking to seek revenge on you for something that you did. It may not rise to level of what Steve did, but it could still ruin your career and reputation because it is not always fair when the powers to be go after you.
To 7/22 @0140hrs. Jody Weis said he had nothing to do with Cozi too.... Just sayin....
Cozzi didn't get "punished twice". He got a Two year suspension from the department. he also got hit with a civil suit for over $100,000 (that the "victim" never showed up to, just the attorney). Just before the suspension, J-Fed gave the file to his Fed Buddies, he was indited, and plead out for about 40 months (hoping for a reversal on appeal, that never happened).
Sgt SL, on the other hand, had already been stripped and taken a suspension, and then the dept went after him again for the same thing (which was already resolved, signed off on, and penalty served). This firing was a second hearing for a legally resolved matter. There have never been any criminal charges placed against SL. I hope he sues for his job back.
Agree or disagree with the resolution of this case is a personal matter. Countless officers who read and write on this blog have at one time or another screwed up and made a bad decision. Yes, everyone has done that. It is impossible to follow every general order, special order and rule and regulation to the letter. If you are going to write that you are the exception and have never made a bad decision or done something wrong you are just not being honest with yourself. I have personally observed the righteous officer flirting on duty with a female who comes up to him, therefore rendering him inattentive to duty. Yes, righteous officer that is against a conduct order and subject to a SPAR. So, before you pass judgement look yourself in the mirror and realize that at any given time you could be the subject of a reporter, or politician or connected member of the community looking to seek revenge on you for something that you did. It may not rise to level of what Steve did, but it could still ruin your career and reputation because it is not always fair when the powers to be go after you.
------
Inbred knuckle dragger, I have never left my fire arm accessible (if that is what happened) and a suicide ensuing because of it. The Sgt.'s incident is very different from deviating from flirting with someone. But a crack baby like you cannot discriminate the difference.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Cozzi didn't get "punished twice". He got a Two year suspension from the department. he also got hit with a civil suit for over $100,000 (that the "victim" never showed up to, just the attorney). Just before the suspension, J-Fed gave the file to his Fed Buddies, he was indited, and plead out for about 40 months (hoping for a reversal on appeal, that never happened).
Sgt SL, on the other hand, had already been stripped and taken a suspension, and then the dept went after him again for the same thing (which was already resolved, signed off on, and penalty served). This firing was a second hearing for a legally resolved matter. There have never been any criminal charges placed against SL. I hope he sues for his job back.
7/22/2014 04:56:00 PM
________________________________
Right. Because SL was subjected to Double Jeopardy? Yea, he is going to sue because he was exposed twice to the same issue. And you add credibility to your argument by saying that it was a legally resolved matter. I watched the movie "Double Jeopardy." It was and entertaining movie. But I digress, I am working with the best and the brightest.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Cozzi didn't get "punished twice". He got a Two year suspension from the department. he also got hit with a civil suit for over $100,000 (that the "victim" never showed up to, just the attorney). Just before the suspension, J-Fed gave the file to his Fed Buddies, he was indited, and plead out for about 40 months (hoping for a reversal on appeal, that never happened).
Sgt SL, on the other hand, had already been stripped and taken a suspension, and then the dept went after him again for the same thing (which was already resolved, signed off on, and penalty served). This firing was a second hearing for a legally resolved matter. There have never been any criminal charges placed against SL. I hope he sues for his job back.
7/22/2014 04:56:00 PM
______________
SL should be arrested and charged with murder. There is not statute of limitations for murder. If this where an average citizen (and not a Police Sergeant), then the average citizen would have been arrested on the spot. SL should be thankful that he has not been arrested. Additionally, a thorough investigation should have been conducted, including checking SL's hands for gun residue.
Oh, yea, I hope that he sues under the Double Jeopardy clause of the Constitution, since it was already a legally resolved matter. Good luck with that one. Let me know how that works out.
Sam C. has to be going "WTF?" for burning a merit pick on this weasel.
Hope you're running and crying in your sleep Sam.
Anyone who actually thinks steve killed this woman... Your a fucking idiot. Steve may be a lot of things but a killer no way! You all need to remember that you are reading "facts" of this case printed from the rag of the Scum Times and we all know how accurate the reporting of Novak, Main, Speilman etc...is right??? Whoever keeps stirring the pot about Steve killing this woman I hope one day you suffer as much as you are attempting to inflict pain and suffering on him... Your a real piece of shit. Bottom line is facts and violations...the violations Steve was originally charged with administratively ... Buying liquor while on duty and failing to secure your weapon are NOT fireable offenses period!!! That is why originally he was given a 30 day suspension and then restored to full duty for over (2) years when all of a sudden Mr. Novak decides to re run this same story where nothing has changed due to political pressure and now steve is stripped for a second time and charged with a rule (2) violation of bringing discredit upon the department!!?? How so?? Because this bozo Novak decided to run a story? It was the same story from over two years ago.. But they didn't hit him with a rule 2 then?? Like the guy or hate the guy... In a court of law he will win because he was fucked and even Ray Charles could see that. Again you must consider the facts and violations not your personal opinions...in a court of law opinions don't count.
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