Two former Orland Park police officers have filed lawsuits against the village and department leaders, alleging violations of their civil rights.
William Sanchez, a former officer with nearly 20 years of service, claims that the Orland Park Police Department denied him a promotion to lieutenant due to racial discrimination and then fired him for complaining about it. The lawsuit alleges that after raising concerns of race discrimination with Chief Eric Rossi in 2023, Sanchez filed discrimination complaints with the village and state and federal agencies., Sanchez claims that Orland Park then levied retaliatory claims of misconduct against him and eventually fired him in March 2024. An arbitrator later ruled that his termination was unjustified. Sanchez’s attorney, Justin Tresnowski, stated, “Mr. Sanchez was a dedicated public servant with no history of misconduct, yet he was subjected to discrimination and retaliation.” Sanchez is seeking reinstatement, back pay, and damages.
In a separate case, former officer Kenneth Kovac filed a lawsuit after being criminally charged for creating a parody Facebook page mocking then-Deputy Chief Brian West. Kovac claims that Orland Park violated his First Amendment rights and that the criminal charges were retaliation for criticizing the department. Despite charges of false personation and disorderly conduct, Kovac was ultimately cleared when a judge dismissed the charges nine months after they were filed. “They wanted Mr. Kovac to suffer,” Tresnowski said. “They would use whatever means they could, including prosecution, to achieve that result.” Kovac is suing for violations of free speech and protection from unlawful search and seizure.
Both lawsuits highlight allegations of discrimination and retaliation within the Orland Park Police Department, with the village standing by its actions.
The complaints can be read here and here.
Read the press release here.
