North Chicago alderman charged with felony misconduct, criminal damage

Charges for felony misconduct and felony criminal damage to government-supported property were filed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office against North Chicago Alderman Anthony Coleman, who represents the city’s Second Ward.

Coleman is accused in a two-count indictment, filed in court on Wednesday, for knowingly damaging the North Chicago Water Treatment Plant surveillance video system on Aug. 8, 2023, according to a news release from the State’s Attorney’s Office.

An investigation by the State’s Attorney’s Financial Crimes & Public Integrity Unit found that Coleman cut the wires to a video camera in the plant and removed the camera, officials said.

The camera was installed earlier that year at the direction of the City Council, the release said.

“Coleman gained access to the water plant as a public official and destroyed an appropriate and legal camera system,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “This defendant doesn’t get to overrule the City Council by destroying government property.”

Attempts to reach Coleman for comment were unsuccessful.

To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, the release said the city of North Chicago and the North Chicago Police Department referred the case to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s investigators.

Coleman’s first court appearance will be on April 4.

chilles@chicagotribune.com