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3d ago

Chicago Panel to Vote on $29 Million in Guevara Wrongful-Conviction Payouts

A committee vote this week could move four wrongful-conviction settlements toward final City Council approval later this month.

Demetrius Johnson walks with attorney Josh Tepfer, right, following a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court building in Chicago on Sept. 18, 2019. (José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • City lawyers seek approval for roughly $29.1–$29.2 million to resolve four suits tied to former CPD Detective Reynaldo Guevara.
  • Proposed payments are $16.6 million to Demetrius Johnson, $6.95 million to Angel Diaz, $4.85 million to Ariel Gomez, and $800,000 to William Negron.
  • The Finance Committee is slated to vote Wednesday, with a full City Council vote possible on Feb. 18 if the measures advance.
  • The 2026 budget authorized $286 million in borrowing and set aside $83 million for settlements, and the $37.4 million on this week’s agenda would consume more than 45% of that reserve.
  • Guevara is accused in dozens of overturned murder cases and has never been criminally charged, and the proposed deals follow a $90 million global settlement in the Ronald Watts cases and a $17 million award to Roberto Almodovar last year.