# Chicago approves $260.8m for 17 police abuse victims

> Chicago city council approves $260.8 million settlement for 17 victims of police abuse by corrupt ex-officer Reynaldo Guevara.
- Title: Chicago approves $260.8m for 17 police abuse victims
- Summary: Chicago city council approves $260.8 million settlement for 17 victims of police abuse by corrupt ex-officer Reynaldo Guevara. Chicago city council approved…
- Keywords: chicago, city council, reynaldo guerova, police abuse, settlement, corrupt officer, victims, police misconduct, news, local, approves, 260
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz/2026/10/19/chicago-aprueba-260-8-millones-para-17-victimas-de-abuso-policial-a-manos-del-exoficial-corrupto-reynaldo-guevara
- Published: 2026-10-19T21:32:22.456+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chicago, city council, reynaldo guerova, police abuse, settlement, corrupt officer, victims, police misconduct, news, local
## Chicago city council approves $260.8m settlement
Chicago’s city council approved a $260.8 million settlement for 17 victims of police abuse by corrupt ex-officer Reynaldo Guevara.
## Guevara fabricated murder cases
Reynaldo Guevara, a former Chicago police detective, fabricated murder cases for 17 victims who were later convicted of murder.
## 17 victims in prison for 22.6 years
The 17 victims spent an average of 22.6 years in prison before their convictions were overturned.
## 43 people exonerated
43 people, including three women, were exonerated after being convicted of murder in cases handled by Guevara in the 1980s and 1990s.
## Settlement covers 16 civil cases
The settlement resolves 16 civil cases of police misconduct and pays $65 million per year over two years.
## Guevara's cases cost more than previous settlements
This settlement costs more than the $90 million settlement for 176 victims of ex-sergeant Ronald Watts who fabricated drug cases.
## City council faces funding concerns
City council members expressed concerns about funding the settlement, with some questioning if the city has the money to pay it.
## Mayor Johnson plans to address pension issue
Mayor Brandon Johnson said he would explore state law changes to stop Guevara from receiving a police pension.
## Legal advisor warns of jury verdicts
Jessica Felker, the city’s legal advisor, warned that jury verdicts could cost over $1 billion in future cases.
## Guevara's pension remains
Guevara continues to receive a police pension despite not being convicted of any crime.
## Settlement payment timeline
The $260.8 million settlement will be paid in four installments of $65 million each starting in 2027.
## City council pushes for more settlements
The city council has pushed for similar settlements for the remaining 23 cases involving Guevara.
## Guevara's cases cost more than previous settlements
This settlement is the most expensive in Chicago Police Department history, surpassing previous settlements by over $210 million.
## Legal advisor praised for settlement
Former legal advisor Mary Richardson-Lowry praised for securing the settlement as she left her position.
## Key takeaway

Chicago city council approved $260.8 million to settle 17 victims of police abuse by ex-officer Reynaldo Guevara who fabricated murder cases.