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The family of a 12-year-old girl, who was frisked by a Joliet police officer, has initiated a federal lawsuit. This action comes after the Joliet Police Department allegedly declined their request for a discussion concerning the incident.
To safeguard the girl’s privacy, ABC7 Chicago has concealed her face, and the police have similarly obscured her older sister’s identity in the footage.
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The incident unfolded when the two sisters were en route to their grandmother’s residence. They were halted by Joliet officers due to suspicions related to a suspended registration linked to an insurance issue.
“There was no emergency call, no report of a bank heist, no reckless speeding—just a routine traffic stop,” stated attorney Victor Henderson, highlighting the lack of immediate danger or criminal activity.
Footage from the police body camera reveals that during the standard traffic check, the younger sister, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was instructed to step out of the vehicle.
The 12-year-old was told to turn around.
The officer patted her down with both hands, touching between her legs, upper thighs and other areas. Her older sister was heard asking the officer why he frisked a 12-year-old. Their mother rushed to the scene after receiving a phone call from her daughters.
“I came to the scene in a panic, trying to make sure everything was OK,” Nayocka Jones said.
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Jones’ daughters were never charged with anything. Jones immediately filed a complaint with the Joliet Police Department.
Following the Feb. 18, 2024 traffic stop, video shows the officer’s sergeant in disbelief over the pat down.
The sergeant told the officer he doesn’t know how to smooth this one over. The officer tried to explain his intention wasn’t to be perverted.
Despite admitting wrongdoing, Jones claims the Joliet Police Department was not interested in meeting about her concerns.
“When the sergeant says, ‘hey, the officer did wrong,’ we naturally expected that they would sit down with us and speak to us,” Henderson said.
Because of pending litigation, the Joliet Police Department has no comment.
Jones says her daughter has suffered from separation anxiety since the incident.
“She doesn’t want to go anywhere. She can’t stay focused. I have to keep her busy,” Jones said.
As for discipline against the officer, he only received a notice of counseling by his sergeant.
It states any further violations will result in discipline.
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