Former Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to Probation for Burglary
Joseph Pecora, a former Chicago police officer with a troubled past, has recently been sentenced to probation for his involvement in a $350,000 burglary on the city’s Northwest Side. This isn’t Pecora’s first run-in with the law, as he previously served federal time for a drug-related offense.
On May 6, 2023, a burglary took place at a 79-year-old woman’s home in the 5700 block of West School. The perpetrator broke in through a basement window while the woman was away, making off with approximately $350,000 in cash from a safe. DNA evidence found at the scene linked Pecora to the crime, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea for residential burglary.
Pecora, who had been on electronic monitoring since his arrest in February 2024, received a two-year probation sentence from Judge Peggy Chiampas. This incident is not the first time Pecora has been in legal trouble during his time as a law enforcement officer.
In 2005, while serving as a Chicago police officer, Pecora was involved in a federal drug investigation on the Near North Side. He was found to have taken 50 pounds of marijuana from a supplier with the intent to sell it and pay later. This led to his resignation from the police department and subsequent federal prison sentence.
Despite his criminal past, Pecora seems to have found employment post-conviction. Municipal payroll records indicate that he is currently working as an “asphalt laborer” for the Chicago Department of Transportation, earning $51.41 per hour.
It is clear that Joseph Pecora’s troubled history continues to follow him, even as he navigates through the legal system and attempts to rebuild his life. The consequences of his actions serve as a cautionary tale for those in positions of authority who choose to abuse their power.
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