James Mandarino, a former Streamwood police officer, enters the Rolling Meadows courthouse today for his trial on charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct. (Keri Wiginton/Chicago Tribune) |
The fate of a former Streamwood police officer accused of beating a motorist is now in the hands of a Cook County judge.
Both sides completed closing arguments today in the trial of James Mandarino, who was fired by the Streamwood Police Department after being shown on video beating a motorist multiple times with a metal baton.
Judge Thomas Fecarotta Jr. said he will review the testimony and the videotape and announce his ruling at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Rolling Meadows branch.
Defense attorney Rick Beuke said Mandarino followed proper protocol and that prosecutors “failed to show Mr. Mandarino as an out-of-control, rogue cop who decided to take the law into his own hands.”
