Corruption, Connections, and Cover-Ups: My Experiences with the Chatham Police Department

Dear Friends and Supporters,

The truth must be told, no matter how difficult it is to face. My interactions with the Chatham Police Department have brought to light troubling patterns of misconduct, favoritism, and a lack of accountability. For years, I have sought justice and clarity regarding incidents involving my ex-husband, Charles Wilson, and his associates. Yet, instead of transparency, I have faced inaccurate reports, deliberate omissions, and a system seemingly working against me.

This summary is not only a recounting of events but also a call for justice and integrity. Below, I outline my experiences, including the connections between Charles Wilson, his former fiancée Carrie Winters, and their affiliations with individuals within the Chatham Police Department. These connections have influenced the handling of incidents, creating barriers to truth and accountability.

The Larger Picture

  • Connections to Corruption: Carrie Winters, Charles’ former fiancée, is now reportedly in prison for insurance fraud tied to her family’s affiliations with Goodwill. Her intimate relationship with a Chatham police officer raises questions about impartiality and professionalism within the department.

  • Favoritism and False Narratives: Charles Wilson, with his close ties to Chatham police officers, has benefited from a pattern of distorted narratives in police reports. Instead of presenting the truth, these reports have painted me as the antagonist in incidents where I sought help and protection.

  • Systemic Misconduct: Despite submitting multiple FOIA requests and providing evidence of inaccuracies in police reports, the department has failed to address these issues adequately. Meetings I requested to clarify these inaccuracies were either ignored or dismissed.

Why This Matters

The issues I’ve faced with the Chatham Police Department are not isolated. They are symptoms of a larger problem—one where personal connections and biases overshadow the commitment to justice and truth. This systemic corruption harms not only me but also others who may find themselves in similar situations, seeking help only to face barriers and misrepresentation.

What I’m Asking of You

  • Awareness: Understand that these issues go beyond one person or one department. They affect the integrity of our community and the safety of those who rely on law enforcement for protection.

  • Support: If you have any knowledge or evidence related to these incidents, please come forward. Together, we can shine a light on the truth and demand accountability.

  • Justice: Join me in calling for a thorough investigation into these matters. It is only through transparency and accountability that we can rebuild trust in our systems.

As you review the attached police report issues, I urge you to approach them with an open mind and a critical eye. This is not just my story—it is a testament to the need for change in how we address misconduct, bias, and corruption within our institutions.

Thank you for standing with me as I continue to fight for justice and truth.

With love and light,


Dana Rachelle Wilson

Subject: Response to FOIA Request – Incident Reports and Additional Documentation Needed

Chatham Police Department

 

Dear Chief Vernon Foley

I am writing in response to the FOIA request regarding multiple incident reports. After reviewing the records provided, I have noted some omissions and inaccuracies that require clarification and additional documentation. Additionally, I would like to follow up on communication related to these requests. Scott Tarter had informed me that Chief Foley would reach out to discuss these concerns; however, I did not receive a call. I also requested a meeting in case scheduling a call was difficult, but this meeting was not scheduled either.

To ensure clarity and resolution, I would appreciate a response to this email with a few potential meeting times to review these documents and address my concerns directly.

Please see the specific details and requests below:

Incident Report: 2024-00004174

  • Issue: The provided records appear to be incomplete; I request the full narrative to fulfill the FOIA request.

  • False Statements/Clarifications:

    • Spider Egg Incident: Officer Harris did not physically inspect the vehicle as requested, despite the presence of photographic evidence and my request for in-person verification. This omission of additional context and witness testimony, including statements from my mother, Irma Jonna Veach, should be addressed.

    • Order of Protection: The officer’s statement suggesting I was advised to contact the State Attorney’s Office for an OP is inaccurate. This was not advised, and the State’s Attorney’s Office does not offer assistance for obtaining OPs.

    • Extra Patrol: The report notes a request for extra patrol, but this was an offer made by Officer Harris, not a request from me. The narrative should reflect that this was an officer-initiated offer.

Incident Report: 2017-00007364

  • Priority Level: Listed as Priority Level 2-High. However, the report does not provide detailed information, and I request the complete narrative as it pertains to a domestic disturbance involving potential DCFS reporting. This incident’s handling warrants documentation due to its significance.

Incident Report: 2024-00004168

  • Tracker Investigation: While an officer checked my vehicle for a tracking device, no guidance was provided regarding next steps or professional services for further investigation. Any additional details the officer may have noted or general advisement would be appreciated.

Incident Report: 2024-00004345

  • Mobile Crisis Unit Call: The record indicates that I was referred to the MCU; however, the recommendation came from the responding officer, not a direct request from me. Any details or conclusions from MCU’s involvement would be beneficial for my records.

  • Break-in Concerns: My security system experienced tampering following a data breach with my internet provider, which contributed to my concerns. Additional context regarding this incident’s handling by officers is requested.

Incident Report: 2024-00007122

  • Water and Air Quality Concerns: The officer determined this was a civil issue but did not provide guidance on testing resources or procedures. Due to the health concerns raised, I request a copy of any video recording from this incident for a complete record of interactions.

Additional Requests and Clarifications:

  1. Full Narrative Access: Please provide the complete narrative for each of the incidents outlined above to ensure transparency and accuracy.

  2. Body Camera Footage: For any of the listed incidents where video or audio recordings exist, please provide access or copies of this media.

  3. Documentation of False or Incomplete Statements: Clarifications are needed where inaccuracies or omissions were noted, as this affects the completeness of the records and the accuracy of the statements provided to the FOIA request.

  4. Missing Report – 2017 Incident at 1413 Sequoia Drive: I respectfully request the report related to my ex-husband’s suicide attempt at 1413 Sequoia Drive from early 2017. This incident appears to be missing from the FOIA records provided, and I would appreciate it if this report could be included to ensure a comprehensive record.  

Thank you for your attention to these details. Ensuring an accurate and thorough response to this FOIA request will provide clarity on these matters and support the integrity of the records.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Contact Information] if further clarification is needed. I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to receiving the complete information.

Best regards,

Dana Wilson

217-622-3879

Dear Chatham Police Department FOIA Officer,

Following my previous FOIA request and review of the documents provided, I have identified two significant incidents from 2017 that were not included in the records provided. I respectfully request copies of the reports associated with these incidents to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information related to my interactions with the department.

Additional Incidents of Concern

1. Incident Involving Charles Wilson and Kerri Winter – 2017 at 1412 Sequoia Drive
There was a 2017 incident involving a domestic altercation between my ex-husband, Charles Wilson, and his then-fiancée, Kerri Winter, at 1412 Sequoia Drive. The situation escalated to a point where intervention was necessary to protect the children involved. I removed my two sons and escorted them across the street to my residence at 1413 Sequoia Drive. At the scene, officers indicated that one or both parties might need to go to the station if they did not resolve the situation. Kerri’s children remained in her custody, while my sons and Charles accompanied me back to my house.

This incident is relevant to provide context for other reports involving my family and to clarify the circumstances surrounding a separate 2017 panic attack incident for which EMT services were called. Notably, this event also demonstrates the proximity between Charles Wilson’s residence and my own, highlighting the intertwined nature of our co-parenting arrangements after our divorce.

Furthermore, I have significant concerns about the accuracy of the address listed in some reports, including a reference to 317 Keystone Drive in an incident occurring prior to my residency at that address, which did not begin until July 2018. The premature listing of this address is concerning and suggests potential errors or misrepresentation in the record.

2. Incident Involving Charles Wilson’s Suicide Attempt – 2017 at 1413 Sequoia Drive
The second incident occurred in 2017 at 1413 Sequoia Drive, where Charles Wilson attempted suicide in the garage. He attempted to hang himself using a belt on the attic pull-down, which broke, and was subsequently taken to Memorial Medical Center, where he remained in the psychiatric ward for approximately one week. This event was a critical moment that involved both my children and myself and highlights the emotional challenges our family faced during that time.

This documentation is notably absent from the FOIA request, and its absence is of significant concern given its relevance to Charles Wilson’s ongoing mental health challenges and its potential bearing on other incidents involving our family.

Request for Immediate Follow-Up

I am requesting:

  1. Copies of all reports and documentation related to both incidents listed above.

  2. Clarification of the procedure for adding my statements and clarifications to existing records.

  3. A review of any records referencing 317 Keystone Drive before July 2018 to address potential inaccuracies or misrepresentation, as I did not reside at this address prior to that date.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. It is imperative that all records reflect an accurate and thorough account of these events to provide a truthful representation of my interactions with the Chatham Police Department.

Sincerely,

Dana R. Wilson

 

On Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 6:39 AM Dana Wilson <wilsondanar@gmail.com> wrote:

Subject: Request for Amendment and Clarification of FOIA Documents for Case Numbers: 20215-00006028, 2016-00004048, and 2017-00007138

Dear Chatham Police Department FOIA Officer,

Thank you for providing the FOIA documentation related to Case Numbers 20215-00006028, 2016-00004048, and 2017-00007138. Upon review, I identified significant inaccuracies in the statements and details documented in each report. I respectfully request that my statements below be added to these reports to provide an accurate reflection of the events, clarify details, and correct any misinformation. Additionally, please provide me with the official steps to amend these records.

Case Number: 20215-00006028 (Mental Illness / Chatham Involuntary Committal)

Main Points of Inaccuracy and Clarifications:

  1. No Knife Was Involved
    Contrary to the report, I did not hold a kitchen knife at any point during the day. This statement is false.

  2. Context of Emotional State
    I was emotionally distressed due to interactions with my husband, Charles R. Wilson, and my partner, Dean Haukap, who were in communication and manipulating my emotions. My emotional state was compounded by a recent motorcycle accident. I took Tramadol for pain relief, not as an act of self-harm, though I did communicate provocatively in an attempt to garner attention from both men.

  3. Clarification on Texts
    The texts to Charles reference personal struggles and pressures, including a settlement, which the report fails to contextualize properly. These were not indicative of a mental breakdown but reflected a complex, strained relationship dynamic.

  4. Inaccurate Mental Health Context
    The report inaccurately links this incident to past sexual trauma, which was irrelevant in this context. The emotional distress stemmed from my interactions with Charles and Dean.

Case Number: 2016-00004048 (Disturbance Report)

Main Points of Inaccuracy and Clarifications:

  1. Violence and Injury
    Charles struck my broken leg intentionally with my crutch. I did not mention my leg or thigh being injured in a fall, as the report claims. The marks on my leg were from this impact, not an accidental injury.

  2. Alcohol Consumption Misrepresentation
    The presence of empty wine bottles does not imply they were consumed recently or that they were related to the incident.

  3. False Claim Regarding Children’s Statements
    The report inaccurately suggests my children, Henry and Edward, witnessed and denied Charles pushing me. The children were fearful and may not have felt comfortable contradicting their father’s account in front of him.

  4. Lack of Notification on DCFS Report
    The officers failed to inform me of a DCFS report. I would like a follow-up on this report and all actions taken in connection with it.

Case Number: 2017-00007138 (Medical Call)

Main Points of Inaccuracy and Clarifications:

  1. Incorrect Address and Incident Details
    The report incorrectly lists 317 Keystone Drive as my address, which I did not occupy until July 2, 2018. This suggested that the report was created in a different year than the incident occured.  During this incident, I resided at 1413 Sequoia Drive, and Charles Wilson and his fiancée, Kerri Winter, resided across the street at 1412 Sequoia Drive.

  2. Clarification on Medical Distress
    This was a medical incident involving a panic attack, for which EMT services were called. I had one glass of wine, which did not alleviate my symptoms. Charles and Kerri acted in a supportive capacity, and my mother accompanied me to the hospital. The children were not involved in this event.

  3. Additional Incident of Concern
    I also request a copy of a separate 2017 incident involving an altercation between Charles Wilson and Kerri Winter at 1412 Sequoia Drive, where I intervened for my children’s safety.

Request for Amendment Process and Additional Records

To accurately reflect these events and correct the misrepresentations, I request a formal amendment or statement of clarification to be added to each report. I also request any additional reports filed for myself, Dana R. Wilson (05/05/1982), associated with addresses 1413 Sequoia Drive, 420 East Spruce Street, and 402 Goldenrod Drive, all in Chatham, IL.

Please advise on the official process for submitting these statements and amending the records, ensuring that these incidents are correctly documented.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. I look forward to your guidance on how to proceed.

Sincerely,

Dana R. Wilson

 

On Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:02 AM Marsaglia, Dacia <daciam@chathamil.gov> wrote:

Here is the reports you requested on your FOIA. Thank you!

Dacia Marsaglia
Chatham Police Department
Dispatch Supervisor/FOIA Officer
Work (217) 483-2453

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