Investigation continues into Deputy Chief

The second in command at the Braidwood Police Department remains out of the office, as an internal investigation continues.

Braidwood Police Chief Nick Ficarello said last week that the Illinois State Police are now involved in the investigation into Deputy Chief Michelle Soucie.

Ficarello said Soucie was being investigated for theft allegations, but could not elaborate further as the investigation remains open. As of Friday, April 21, Soucie remained on paid leave, where she’s been since January. Ficarello said the state police interviewed

Soucie last week regarding the theft allegation.

Ficarello also confirmed that Soucie has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), charging that she had been sexually harassed by the chief.

Ficarello denied that charge.

“I believe this is in retaliation to the theft investigation,” Ficarello said.

Soucie has been a member of the Braidwood PD since 1998, first as a patrol officer, then a sergeant, before being elevated to the role of Deputy Chief in 2015.