Judge Scolds Chicago Police for Interrupting Officer's Deposition

Federal judge criticizes CPD for pulling officer from deposition to strip his police powers

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A federal judge harshly criticized the Chicago Police Department for interrupting a deposition of an officer, Richard Rodriquez Jr., in order to strip him of his police powers. The judge said the move was "peculiar" and generated suspicion, questioning why the department felt the need to take such action in the middle of sworn testimony.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct and lack of accountability within the Chicago Police Department. The officer in question, Rodriquez, has a long history of misconduct complaints, raising questions about the department's handling of problem officers. The judge's criticism of the department's actions during the deposition suggests a broader lack of transparency and potential cover-up of officer misconduct.

The details

Officer Richard Rodriquez Jr. was being deposed as part of a civil rights lawsuit alleging he beat a plaintiff's head against a car and threatened another plaintiff with their own licensed gun during a traffic stop. About 90 minutes into the deposition, a CPD sergeant appeared and brought Rodriquez back to police headquarters, where he became the fifth member of his tactical team to be stripped of police powers. The city's attorneys claimed it was a "coincident, separate process" and that there was no intention to act in bad faith, but the judge was highly critical of the interruption, saying it made the plaintiffs feel the department had something to hide.

  • On February 20, 2026, a CPD sergeant interrupted Rodriquez's deposition and brought him back to police headquarters.
  • Earlier this week, Rodriquez completed the deposition that was interrupted on February 20.

The players

Judge Mary M. Rowland

The federal judge presiding over the case who strongly criticized the Chicago Police Department's actions.

Officer Richard Rodriquez Jr.

A Chicago police officer who has accumulated 67 misconduct complaints over 8 years, the second-highest number in the department. He was being deposed as part of a civil rights lawsuit alleging he used excessive force during a traffic stop.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that interrupted Rodriquez's deposition to strip him of his police powers, drawing strong criticism from the judge.

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What they’re saying

“It makes plaintiffs feel like what do you have to hide, what does CPD have to hide?”

— Judge Mary M. Rowland, Federal Judge (Chicago Tribune)

“Good God! Who does that?”

— Judge Mary M. Rowland, Federal Judge (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge has asked the attorneys to submit descriptions of what they are looking for in terms of communications related to the interruption of the deposition, and she will make a final decision after evaluating those requests.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of misconduct and lack of transparency within the Chicago Police Department, as evidenced by the department's actions in interrupting an officer's deposition and the judge's strong criticism of their behavior. It raises further questions about the department's handling of problem officers and the need for greater accountability and oversight.