Former Yorkville deputy chief applies for alternative treatment
By Matt Hanley mhanley@stmedianetwork.com April 24, 2012 3:52PM
Updated: May 26, 2012 8:15AM
The former Yorkville deputy police chief accused of stealing prescription medication has asked to be placed in an alternative treatment program.
David Delaney, 37, was put on unpaid administrative leave in June 2011, when he was charged with felonies possession of a controlled substance and theft of government property. He has since resigned from the department
He made a brief appearance in court Tuesday afternoon, where prosecutors and Delaney’s attorneys met with the judge in an off-the-record “402 conference.” The “402 conference” is typically used by attorneys to discuss a possible plea agreement.
No decision was made after the conference, and Delaney’s next court appearance was set for 9 a.m. June 4.
According to court records, Delaney’s attorney previously filed a petition for treatment alternatives. In the petition, defense attorneys said Delaney is addicted to prescription pills and likely to be rehabilitated. Judge John Barsanti has not ruled on the petition, which was filed in February.
Prosecutors claim Delaney, a well-respected officer, took prescription medicine for his personal use from the supplies turned in by residents as part of an unused-medication disposal program. He has pleaded not guilty.
Delaney was serving as the city’s first deputy chief at the time he was arrested by Illinois State Police. He was initially put on paid leave and later resigned. He had been with Yorkville police since April 1999.
Yorkville police canceled the medication disposal program on the day Delaney was arrested. The program, common among many local departments, allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted medication to keep it from entering the water supply.
