East Central Reporter

Coles County, Illinois – Questions have been raised about the hiring practices of the Mattoon Police Department following revelations concerning Officer AJ Roley’s disciplinary history while serving with the Arcola Police Department.

A letter from the Chief of Police in Arcola to Officer Roley outlined several alleged violations of department regulations. These included concealing or destroying defective work, falsifying records with intent to deceive, misrepresenting material facts on official documents, failing to take required action while on duty, exceeding lawful powers through unreasonable conduct, and other behavior deemed unbecoming of a department member. The letter also cited giving false or misleading statements during investigations or in reporting department business.

These allegations were presented as part of a “Motion In Limine to Allow Impeachment of Officer A.J. ROLEY with prior disciplinary actions for dishonesty as a patrolman.” The motion and its supporting exhibit suggested possible criminal conduct by Officer Roley.

The Edgar County Watchdogs have requested further information from the City of Arcola regarding whether any request for a criminal investigation into Officer Roley’s conduct was made to local law enforcement agencies such as the Sheriff’s office or Illinois State Police. However, a line in the letter from Arcola’s police chief indicated that such an investigation may not have been pursued: “Please let me know if you would prefer to have your employment end in your resignation rather than a termination.”

Additionally, inquiries have been made to the City of Mattoon to determine whether officials there were aware of Officer Roley’s history before his hiring. The situation raises concerns about vetting procedures within the Mattoon Police Department. If prior misconduct was known, questions arise about why he was hired; if it was unknown, this suggests inadequate background checks.

The documented conduct could affect any case involving Officer Roley. According to legal standards set by the Bar Association Project on Standards for Criminal Justice and referenced Supreme Court rulings (see Napue v. Illinois), evidence affecting an officer’s credibility must be disclosed when it could influence determinations of guilt or innocence (https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/360/264). Failure to disclose such information is problematic for prosecution efforts.

Further updates will be provided once responses are received from both Arcola and Mattoon regarding these inquiries.