by James R. Scott, The Chicago Times
April 23, 2022
CHICAGO — A Cook County judge dismissed 44 cases connected to corrupt ex-Chicago police sergeant Ronald Watts.
In a hearing Friday, Cook County judge Erica Reddick vacated 44 cases tied to Watts, bringing the total amount of cases vacated to 212.
Watts and other former members of his tactical team allegedly extorted drug dealers and residents at the notorious Ida B. Wells housing project in the early 2000s. Victims that refused to pay were allegedly framed by Watts and his team. Victims allegedly had felony-level drugs planted on them by Watts and his co-conspirators.
Watts along with another co-conspirator, were indicted on federal charges in 2012. Prosecutors revealed that Watts and his co-conspirators operated a protection racket, falsely charged victims with crimes, and sold drugs and weapons.
The Chicago Times 