Former Normal cop pleads guilty to official misconduct

Posted on November 23, 2020
Brian Williams, 47, of Normal. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois/ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – A former Normal Police officer will spend some time in the county jail for his guilty plea after his arrest almost a year ago for stealing thousands of dollars from a suspected drug overdose victim.

Brian Williams, 47, pleaded guilty Friday to a felony count of official misconduct, and in return, prosecutors agreed to dismiss two theft charges and another official misconduct charge.

The judge sentenced Williams to one-month in jail as part of a 2 1/2-year probation period.

Authorities said Williams was one of the officers responding to a home on November 25 of last year to check on a person who potentially overdosed and died.

A family member reported $12,000 was missing after police left the home.

Illinois State Police arrested Williams after he reportedly arranged to return the money to the relative at a Pontiac gas station.

Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner said Williams resigned in February after 18-years with the department.

Williams is to report for his jail sentence on the day after Christmas. He gets credit for three day’s he’s already served behind bars.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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