© 2024 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Unemployment denied for ousted police chief

  An Illinois state board has denied an oft-ousted southwestern Illinois police chief's bid for unemployment benefits. Jose Alvarez was fired three times by the village of Caseyville between February and May 2014, but managed to win his job back through administrative and legal challenges. He was again dismissed in November. The Illinois Department of Employment Security has determined Alvarez is not eligible for unemployment benefits.  An administrative law judge ruled Friday that since Alvarez was fired for insubordination, he cannot receive unemployment. The judge cited the former chief's failure to "follow...directives" and said Alvarez "created a hostile work environment." Belleville attorney Roberts Jones declined comment on Alvarez's behalf, citing his client's pending wrongful termination lawsuit against the St. Clair County village.