Eric Tabb Former Chicago Police Recruit Pleads Guilty After Abuse of Trust

Trust Shattered at the Training Academy

Former Chicago police recruit Eric Tabb, 35, has admitted guilt in a deeply disturbing case that has shaken confidence within the city’s law enforcement ranks. Tabb pleaded guilty this week to two counts of aggravated battery in a public place—a felony—related to separate incidents of sexual misconduct involving female colleagues, one at the police training academy and the other at a precinct.

Plea Agreement Results in Probation and Sex Offender Enrollment

Under a plea deal, Tabb received 30 months of probation, saw some charges dropped, and was required to enroll in a sex offender program. Prosecutors brought forward evidence that starting in August 2023, Tabb inappropriately touched one woman at a Wrigleyville bar and another at a police precinct.

Two Incidents That Crossed the Line

Wrigleyville Bar Encounter: In August 2023, while celebrating a classmate’s birthday, Tabb allegedly whispered sexual propositions and grabbed a fellow recruit’s breast, buttocks, and crotch. He then forcibly tried to kiss her.

Police Precinct Misconduct: In December, after roll call, Tabb is accused of repeatedly grabbing a fellow probationary officer’s crotch as she adjusted her belt—another recruit from the academy.

Evidence of a Pattern of Harassment

Although prosecutors formally charged only two incidents, additional allegations support a broader pattern:

At a celebratory “star party” for recruits, witnesses reported Tabb grabbing one woman’s crotch and another woman’s buttocks.

Alexus Byrd-Maxey, a recruit, claimed that in March 2023 Tabb pressed against her in class and repeatedly touched her waist. Although her complaint wasn’t prosecuted, academy records show Tabb brushed off the claim and Byrd-Maxey was dismissed the next month.

Impact Statements Highlight Betrayal of Trust

During a hearing overseen by Cook County Judge James B. Novy, both women read powerful impact statements. One expressed how their trust in Tabb—formed over months at the academy—had been deeply violated.

Judge Novy endorsed the plea, noting it offered closure and warning Tabb that any violation of probation could result in prison time.

“Everyone wants closure. They want to put this behind them,” he said, emphasizing that probation must be respected.

Prosecutors and Advocates Praise Survivors’ Courage

The Cook County State’s Attorney commended the women’s steadfastness.

“These survivors stood firm in their pursuit of justice,” prosecutors said. “Because of their resolve, Tabb may never serve as a police officer again.”

Voices from the Academy Cry foul

Despite the plea deal, Alexus Byrd-Maxey, who was unable to attend the hearing, was represented by her mother in court. She voiced deep remorse that Tabb faced probation rather than prison.

“He’s been given grace, time and time again… I feel like it’s still not being taken seriously,” she stated.

Legal Aftermath and Wider Accountability

Tabb was arrested in December 2023, terminated from the department, and removed from training. His attorney has maintained Tabb’s innocence and criticized prosecution claims.

This case is one of several that underscore pressure on Chicago’s police academy and leadership to better address sexual harassment and misconduct.

What Comes Next

With probation in place, Tabb’s future is closely watched. Any violation could lead to imprisonment. Beyond this case, calls for inspections, reform, and enhanced workplace safeguards continue across the city’s training programs to ensure cadets and officers do not abuse positions of authority.

Chicago’s legal community will be watching closely to see if this case marks a turning point—where trust is no longer presumed and accountability at every level is demanded.