UPDATED: Former Wilmette Officer Accused of Stealing From Defendant

Updated as of 3:45 p.m. on May 5.

Former Wilmette Police Officer Diane Grassi, 47, has been charged with theft and official misconduct after she allegedly tricked a suspect in September into giving her money, saying that it was needed as a cash bond, according to a statement released Thursday from Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Grassi turned herself into authorities at the Cook County courthouse at 26th Street and California Avenue in Chicago for a bond hearing Thursday morning, according to the release.

Wilmette police had received a personnel complaint on Oct. 3 regarding Grassi., The following day, the department requested that Alvarez’soffice conduct an independent investigation, until Grassi appeared in court today.

The alleged incident occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 29, when Grassi arrested a man for driving under the influence. During the arrest, Grassi supposedly told the man that he had to pay a cash bond to be released, according to the State’s Attorney’s statement.

“When the victim said he preferred to spend the night in jail and use his cash to get his car out of the impound lot, Grassi allegedly ordered him to pay a cash bond for his release,” the statement says. Grassi kept the money she obtained from the victim, according to police.

Assistant State’s Attorney Virginia Bigane said that a surveillance camera in the station captured Grassi taking the money, $250, from the victim, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The man later discovered that he was given an individual recognizance bond, which didn’t require any money to be posted.

Grassi , who had served at the station for 11 years, resigned from the force in January, according to Wilmette Police.

Wilmette Police Chief Brian King released a statement Thursday afternoon regarding the issue.

“Residents should know that we hold each member to the highest ethical and professional standard and when allegations of misconduct occur, they will be thoroughly investigated.  It is what our community expects and deserves; furthermore it is what we expect and deserve of ourselves,” King wrote.

Grassi will appear in court in Chicago on May 26. Stay tuned to Patch for more updates.

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Former Wilmette Police Officer Diane Grassi, 47, has been charged with theft and official misconduct after she deceived a suspect into posting an unrequired bond in Sept. 2010, according to a press release from Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez. Grassi had resigned from employment at the station in January of this year, according to Wilmette Police.

Stay tuned to Patch for more details and comment from Wilmette Police.