EDGE Chicago

Chicago police officer Richard Fiorito has been a celebrated figure in the city. He has earned accolades from groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving for a sky-high DUI arrest record, but his reputation stands on the line as he faces a mounting pile of lawsuits that allege falsified arrests, harassment and targeting of LGBT drivers.

A week has passed since four Chicago residents joined three others in filing federal lawsuits against the 60-year-old police veteran. The suits allege Fiorito, who serves in the heart of Boystown in the 23rd District, violated their civil rights by falsifying DUI charges and other traffic violations against them. He also allegedly used excessive force and verbally harassed those he reportedly targeted.

Jon Erickson, the attorney who represents those who made the allegations against Fiorito, told EDGE these seven complaints appear to be the tip of the iceberg.

"We expect to file another 10 suits over the next couple of months, but there are hundreds of victims so we intend to file as long as there are victims," he said. "I am seeking justice for my clients, and hope to get Fiorito off the streets and see him prosecuted for perjury."

According to the suits, Fiorito was motivated to falsify charges by the hope to gain more overtime pay for time spent in court. The officer has reportedly made nearly 600 DUI arrests since 2006.

"These charges are disturbing on many levels," MADD grief therapist and victim advocate David Malham said. "It is a crucial role that [police officers] are playing in stopping drunk drivers and saving lives. For [Fiorito] to diss his own role, turning [it] into a con is particularly egregious. Here he is, taking these accolades while pocketing extra pay and getting overtime for court appearances, fooling everyone into thinking that [he’s] a heroic figure, when really [he’s] just a con artist."

A CPD spokesperson confirmed to EDGE the department has launched an investigation into the allegations, but he declined to respond directly to the claims made against Fiorito.

Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network, was highly critical of the police. He pointed to the Jon Burge torture scandal and other cases as examples he feels LGBT Chicagoans would need to take a proactive approach in seeking justice against police harassment.

"The hope that the city administration is going to do the right thing on its own valition is a complete fantasy," Thayer said. "Historically, the only way we’ve seen dramatic change and had a police officer face discipline for these sorts of actions is when there has been a substantial community response."

He added he hopes the lawsuits send a powerful message to the CPD and its officers.

"I hope that the message will go out to the rank and file that while your own superiors may not discipline you, the LGBT community is going to force you to pay a price if you target us for misconduct."

The Independent Police Review Authority has reportedly received complaints regarding Fiorito and has also launched an investigation.