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Edgar County Deputy Dee Burgin appears to have committed perjury in testimony regarding the 2015 arrest of Charles Barrett, the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW) allege.
The case against Barrett has been dismissed, in part because Burgin failed to advise Barrett of his Miranda rights. The case has generated a federal civil rights case against Burgin, Sheriff Jeff Wood and Edgar County for allegedly violating Barrett's First and Fourth amendment rights during and after his arrest for driving with a revoked license.
The ECW obtained the transcript of the Nov. 29, 2016, examination of Burgin by Edgar County State's Attorney Mark Isaf and Barrett's attorney, Jude Redwood of Redwood Law Office. During his testimony, Burgin provided conflicting statements regarding the exact time that he activated his body cam.
Edgar County Watchdog Kirk Allen
Burgin testified that he had activated the device when he exited his squad car. Barrett had already entered his house.
During Redwood's cross-examination, Burgin said it was raining and that Barrett had opened the garage door. Burgin said he stepped inside before activating the camera.
On his group's Illinois Leaks website, ECW co-founder Kirk Allen questioned why Burgin was still working as a deputy for Edgar County. Burgin was dismissed in 2012 but reinstated after the union intervened.
Barrett's case was dismissed by Circuit Court Judge Steven Garst on Dec. 12. The federal civil rights case was filed on Dec. 22.
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