Former Chicago Police Officer Carlyle Calhoun Sentenced to Probation for Sexual Assault of Detainee

CHICAGO — Former Chicago Police Officer Carlyle Calhoun, 46, has been sentenced to three years of probation, including 90 days of home confinement, after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a man in custody at St. Bernard Hospital in 2018. Chicago Sun-Times+2FOX 32 Chicago+2ABC7 Chicago+2

Incident Details

On February 3, 2018, Calhoun and another officer transported a male suspect, who had been arrested on a misdemeanor charge and exhibited suicidal behavior, to St. Bernard Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. ABC7 Chicago+1Reason.com+1

While the suspect was shackled to a hospital bed, Calhoun engaged in inappropriate conduct, including sucking the man's toes, grabbing his genitals, and taking a photograph of him. Later, Calhoun escorted the detainee to a bathroom, where he performed a non-consensual sex act. Reason.com+2FOX 26 Houston+2FOX 32 Chicago+2FOX 32 Chicago+1FOX 26 Houston+1

The victim reported the assault to hospital staff immediately after the incident. A sexual assault evidence kit was administered, and DNA evidence, along with a photograph found on Calhoun's cellphone, corroborated the victim's account. FOX 26 Houston+2ABC7 Chicago+2FOX 32 Chicago+2ABC7 Chicago+2FOX 26 Houston+2FOX 32 Chicago+2

Legal Proceedings

Calhoun was arrested in March 2018 and charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and official misconduct. He was held on a $200,000 bail. ABC7 Chicago+2FOX 26 Houston+2Reason.com+2

In December 2023, Calhoun entered a guilty plea and was subsequently sentenced to three years of probation, including 90 days of home confinement. Chicago Sun-Times

Civil Litigation

The victim, identified as Anthony Powell, filed a civil lawsuit against both Calhoun and the City of Chicago, alleging battery and seeking to hold the city liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, the Illinois Appellate Court ruled that the City of Chicago could not be held liable for Calhoun's actions, stating that sexual assault falls outside the scope of a police officer's employment. Coffman Law Offices+1Findlaw+1

Aftermath

Following the incident, Calhoun was relieved of his police powers and suspended without pay. The Chicago Police Department has not publicly disclosed whether he has been formally dismissed from the force.

This case has intensified scrutiny of the Chicago Police Department's handling of misconduct allegations and raised concerns about accountability and oversight within the department.

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