Former Chicago Police Officer Sentenced to Probation for Sexual Abuse Cases
A former Chicago police officer, Eric Tabb, 35, was sentenced to probation on Tuesday for two felony cases involving allegations of sexual abuse against co-workers at the police academy and the Calumet (5th) District station. Tabb pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated battery in a public place before Judge James Novy, with prosecutors dropping eight counts of criminal sexual abuse that were previously filed against him.
In August 2023, Tabb allegedly groped a female recruit on the dance floor at a Wrigleyville bar. Despite the incident, Tabb graduated from the police academy the following month. Four months later, Tabb was accused of grabbing a female officer’s private areas over her clothing in the Calumet station’s roll call room. The same woman reported multiple instances of inappropriate touching by Tabb.
Prosecutors also brought forward additional allegations of misconduct against Tabb, including claims from another recruit who said that Tabb had made unwanted advances towards her. The recruit reported that Tabb had grabbed her waist and made inappropriate comments during a training session.
During the sentencing, Tabb’s attorney mentioned that the Chicago Police Department had investigated the allegations made by the third recruit but did not pursue charges or issue adverse findings. The attorney also claimed that the recruit was fired after Tabb and other recruits reported her for making gang-related comments, which she denied.
As part of his 30-month probation, Tabb is required to submit DNA to a law enforcement database, avoid contact with his victims, and undergo a sex offender evaluation and treatment. These conditions aim to ensure accountability and prevent further instances of misconduct.
