Crime & Safety
Illinois Police Officer Charged: 5 Official Misconduct Charges After License Plate Reader Probe
Waukegan, IL – A Waukegan police officer with 11 years of service has been charged with five felony counts of official misconduct following an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-20T20:46:53.441Z
Waukegan, IL – A Waukegan police officer with 11 years of service has been charged with five felony counts of official misconduct following an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement databases, including automated license plate readers.
According to the Waukegan Police Department , Officer Oscar Magpali faces five counts of official misconduct, each classified as a Class 3 felony, following a criminal investigation conducted in cooperation with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The investigation began after an initial review identified numerous vehicle searches involving vehicles registered to Waukegan Police Department employees and individuals associated with those employees.
Police subsequently launched separate criminal and administrative investigations into the alleged activity.
Investigators reviewed electronic records, departmental documents and witness interviews. Authorities also examined activity involving the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, known as LEADS, and the National Crime Information Center.
Following the investigation, prosecutors filed five felony charges against Magpali.
The department placed Magpali on administrative leave after the initial allegations surfaced. The internal administrative investigation remains separate from the criminal proceedings.
Police officials also announced a department wide audit of officers’ use of law enforcement databases to identify potential misuse and determine whether additional oversight measures are necessary.
Waukegan Police Chief Elias Agalianos emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability.
“When allegations of misconduct arise, we are responsible for investigating them thoroughly and impartially, regardless of who is involved,” Agalianos said.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart also stressed the importance of protecting sensitive information contained in police databases.
“Any officer who violates these well settled legal rules will face consequences,” Rinehart said.
Authorities have not disclosed the alleged purpose of the searches.
Magpali is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.