Former South Beloit mayor, police chief and officer face multiple charges related to arrest video

By Jim Hagerty
Online Editor

Three former South Beloit public employees, two who were in leadership positions, are facing criminal charges, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced this afternoon, April 29.

Ex-Police Chief Tom Fearn, Brad McCaslin, a former police sergeant, and former South Beloit Mayor Randy Kirichkow are all facing charges centered on a controversial arrest video.

The 2008 video shows McCaslin use a stun gun on the neck of a handcuffed woman and Fearn grabbing the woman by the neck and pinning her to a bench inside the South Beloit Police Department booking room.

The clip was also a key element in a lawsuit McCaslin threatened against the city after he was placed on administrative leave. In that case, McCaslin was awarded $70,000 from the City of South Beloit in exchange for the video.

McCaslin has been charged with official misconduct, aggravated battery, armed violence and theft.

McCaslin also stands accused of insurance fraud, while Fearn faces charges of aggravated battery and official misconduct.

For his alleged role, Kirichkow was charged with misconduct and obstruction of justice.

The charges come after a grand jury indictment, state’s attorney spokesmen said Friday.

McCaslin, Fearn and Kirichkow have posted bond.

Meantime, the handcuffed woman in the video, Veronica McIntyre of South Beloit, has filed a $300,000 lawsuit against the City of South Beloit and three officers.