A Galesburg Police Department patrol officer has resigned while facing felony charges of sending obscene messages.
Officer Joseph Matusyzk had served as a Galesburg Officer for 12 years until he resigned on January 11, according to Police Chief Russ Idle.
On Monday, Matusyzk appeared in Knox County Court where he pleaded not guilty to the charges of sending obscene messages. Matusyzk demanded a jury trial.
Charges were brought against him on Dec. 28, 2023, by the Knox County State’s Attorney.
Chief Idle tells WGIL that Matusyzk would not be eligible to be a police officer if he was convicted of a felony.
Idle tells WGIL, “All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
It’s possible that Matusyzk would still be eligible to be a police officer if convicted of a misdemeanor but that would be up to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
The Class 4 felony that Matuszyk faces carries a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
During his initial appearance in court on December 29, the State’s request to detain Matuszyk was denied. However, the officer was ordered not to possess any firearms and ordered to surrender any firearms in his possession.
He also was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to complete an alcohol and drug evaluation within 30 days.
Matusyzk, who is represented by attorney Elisa Nelson, will next be in court for a status hearing on Feb. 27.
WGIL has filed three Freedom of Information Act requests to view the incident report involving the incident, but has been denied twice and has a third pending.
