COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A Chicago police officer accused of groping a female officer was vindicated Wednesday when the Cook County State's Attorney's office dropped the sex abuse charges against him.
Juan Belmontes, 34, was charged in April with criminal sexual abuse and unlawful restraint after allegedly trying to kiss another cop while holding her down on a bed, prosecutors said soon after his arrest.
Prosecutors said Belmontes and the other officer, who do not know each other, were at a party at a home in the 6600 block of South Kimbark Avenue. Shortly after midnight, the woman, 59, went into a bedroom, where prosecutors said Belmontes pinned her down on a bed and kissed her.
Belmontes, who worked patrol in Englewood prior to the accusations, has been on desk duty at the Chicago Police Department.
"This case never should have been filed," said Belmontes attorney, Daniel Herbert. "[Belmontes] just wants life to go back to normal."
Herbert said he is happy the state's attorney took "corrective action."
Prosecutors had no comment on why the charges were dropped.
