More Trouble For Corrupt Chicago Cop

Thomas Sierra, who spent more than 22 years in prison before his case was dropped in January, has filed a wrongful conviction suit against former Chicago police detective Reynaldo Guevara. Sierra was convicted by a jury of murder and sentenced to 45 years in prison. He was released on parole in November after serving the required half of his term. He maintained his innocence throughout his time in prison, and filed a petition for a new trial that gained traction as allegations against Guevara were coming to light in 2013. At a court hearing, when asked whether he had framed Sierra, Guevara invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself. Prosecutors later agreed to dismiss the charges, saying they were unable to meet their burden of proof. Sierra’s lawsuit brings the number of wrongful conviction suits against Guevara pending in federal court to eight. They allege that Guevara’s corruption was aided by others in the criminal justice system, including fellow cops, prosecutors, judges and even defense attorneys.