UPDATE: A former Joliet police sergeant has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging he faced retaliation after leaking disturbing video footage of a man’s death in police custody in 2020. Javier Esqueda claims the Joliet Police Department subjected him to “malicious prosecution” for exposing what he describes as egregious police misconduct.
The lawsuit centers around the death of Eric Lurry, a 37-year-old man who died while handcuffed in a police vehicle following an arrest related to an alleged drug deal. According to the Will County Coroner’s Office, Lurry succumbed to an accidental drug overdose, having ingested heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. Eyewitness accounts allege that despite clear signs of distress, officers delayed calling for medical help and mishandled the situation aggressively.
Esqueda, who was responsible for reviewing police reports and body camera footage, accessed the video of Lurry’s final moments. Shocked by the content, he sought to report the incident to his superiors. However, he claims he was met with hostility; a police captain allegedly told him to “shut the f*** up” when he attempted to discuss the matter.
As details emerged, Esqueda became concerned that the police department was attempting to cover up Lurry’s death. In July 2020, after securing legal counsel, he leaked the video to a local news outlet, prompting immediate backlash from the department. Days later, Esqueda was reassigned to administrative tasks and barred from regular police duties.
In October 2020, he faced legal repercussions himself, being charged with four felony counts of official misconduct. Esqueda resigned from the Joliet Police Department in 2022, and the charges against him were dismissed in late 2024.
The City of Joliet has yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit, directing inquiries to the Joliet Police Department, which has not commented at this time.
This case raises significant concerns about police accountability and the treatment of whistleblowers within law enforcement. As this lawsuit unfolds, it is expected to draw attention not only to Esqueda’s claims but also to broader issues of transparency and ethics in policing.
Residents and officials alike are watching closely, as the implications of this case could resonate beyond Joliet, highlighting the ongoing national dialogue around police reform and accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation develops.