An Illinois cop was fired after posting several disparaging comments on Facebook about the Ferguson, Mo. shooting, including one that said the officer who pulled the trigger on teenager Michael Brown “did society a favor.”
Officer Jason Lentz of the Elgin Police Department was terminated because of conduct that undermined the city’s credibility, according to the Chicago Tribune. Lentz also violated the department’s social media guidelines.
Lentz, an 18-year veteran of the force, allegedly made numerous online remarks that investigators found to be “potentially inappropriate,” according to documents released by the city.
The department put him on leave Aug. 21 after he allegedly made a provocative comment in response to a news story about slain Ferguson teen Michael Brown purportedly stealing cigars.
“Hmmm … innocent victim my ass,” the comment said. “Did society a favor.”
The former officer’s lawyer maintains that his speech is protected because Lentz made the comments on a private account and was speaking about a matter of public concern.
In a statement, Elgin police Chief Jeffrey Swoboda gave his justification for the firing.
“Our relationship with the community is based upon trust,” he said. “ When an officer violates this trust, action must be taken.”
Now if only the Ferguson police department would follow suit…
SOURCE: Chicago Tribune | PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook
