Settlements for Guevara Cases: $24. 1 Million Approved

The finance committee of Cook County Board has given the go-ahead for a $24. 1 million settlement concerning cases linked to Detective Reynaldo Guevara, who has been accused of misconduct. The University of Michigan's National Registry of Exonerations estimates that more than 40 people were wrongly convicted through coerced confessions or witness identifications. Taxpayers have already paid a hefty price, with Guevara-related cases costing $39. 3 million from 2019 to 2021, not counting outside counsel fees. Several notable cases are part of this settlement. Jose Maysonet and Alfredo Gonzalez were both involved in a 1990 shooting case. Maysonet claimed he was beaten by Guevara during a 17-hour interrogation and denied a lawyer. Gonzalez also alleged abuse and false statements. Both saw their convictions overturned years later. Similarly, Daniel Rodriguez received a settlement after being falsely accused and allegedly abused by Guevara in a 1991 shooting case. His conviction was vacated in 2022. Other cases included Richard Kwil and David Gecht, who were convicted in the 1999 murder of Roberto Cruz. Kwil claimed Guevara threatened him, and Gecht said he admitted involvement to stop the abuse. Their convictions were overturned in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Eruby Abrego, John Martinez, and Robert Buoto also had their murder convictions vacated and received settlements. Beyond these cases, the committee approved $8. 75 million in medical malpractice settlements. A $5 million settlement went to Timothy Buckhalter’s family after he died from an allergic reaction to a medication at Stroger Hospital. Another $3. 75 million was for Vito Vaccaro’s estate due to delayed spine surgery at the same hospital, which led to his quadriplegia and eventual death.