Illinois State Police arrests officer for official misconduct

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 4 was requested by the Springfield Police Department (SPD) to investigate a criminal allegation involving the on-duty conduct of Springfield Police Officer Taylor Staff, a 26-year old male of Springfield.  The alleged incidents occurred between January of 2020 through July of 2020 and involved three separate victims, with whom Staff allegedly had inappropriate contact.

The ISP DCI Zone 4 agents conducted a thorough investigation that culminated in the arrest of Staff.  On Feb. 23, 2021, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s office approved an arrest warrant for Staff.  Staff was arrested and charged with Official Misconduct (Class 3 Felony), Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony), and Custodial Sexual Misconduct (Class 3 Felony).  Staff is currently being held at the Sangamon County Jail with a $250,000 cash bond.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.  No additional information will be released at this time.  Anyone with additional information about this investigation is asked to contact ISP Zone 4 at (217) 782-4750.

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Jake Leonard, Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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