A part-time police officer with the Park City Police Department has been charged with multiple felony offenses following allegations of sexual abuse involving a civilian during traffic stops, according to prosecutors.
Patrick Josef Alpay Cacho, 29, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, faces the following charges:
- Four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse
- Two counts of aggravated battery
- Two counts of official misconduct
- Two counts of criminal sexual abuse
Authorities allege the incidents occurred while Cacho was on duty and in uniform.
Initial Allegations and Department Response
The Park City Police Department reported receiving allegations on January 28 regarding unprofessional conduct by Cacho. According to Police Chief Kenneth Stoves, the allegations involved an adult female who had interactions with Cacho during traffic stops.
Based on the seriousness of the allegations:
- Cacho was immediately relieved of duty
- He was placed on unpaid administrative leave
- The Illinois State Police were requested to conduct an independent investigation
Investigation and Alleged Incidents
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Brooke Wanzenberg stated that the Illinois State Police initiated an investigation on January 29 and identified the alleged victim shortly thereafter.
First Alleged Incident – December 27
According to prosecutors:
- The victim was stopped after leaving a bar
- Cacho allegedly directed her into his patrol vehicle and drove her home
- He allegedly threatened a DUI charge unless she provided sexual contact
- The victim reported that Cacho removed his body-worn camera
- No incident report was filed for the stop
Second Alleged Incident – January 11
Prosecutors allege a second encounter occurred approximately two weeks later:
- Cacho responded to a disturbance call at a Park City bar
- The same woman was present as a witness
- After leaving, she was again stopped by Cacho
- He allegedly referenced prior conduct by stating she “knew the drill”
- Cacho allegedly followed her home and initiated sexual contact
- Prosecutors allege he again used the threat of a DUI charge to coerce compliance
The victim told investigators she did not know Cacho prior to the encounters and acknowledged being intoxicated during both incidents.
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Additional Allegation Involving Minor
Investigators also identified a separate prior incident involving a 16-year-old girl in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
According to prosecutors:
- Cacho, allegedly in uniform, observed the minor at a gas station
- He later followed her vehicle and initiated contact
- He informed her that her gas tank was open
- He allegedly commented on her appearance and asked personal questions
- The minor reported the incident to her mother, who contacted police
Surveillance footage reportedly confirmed Cacho was wearing a Park City Police Department uniform at the time.
Employment History
Law enforcement records indicate:
- Cacho was hired by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in December 2022
- He resigned in January 2024 during field training
- Officials stated he would not have successfully completed the vetting process
- He joined the Park City Police Department as a part-time officer in September 2025
- He was also employed as hospital security
Arrest, Termination, and Certification Review
Cacho was taken into custody by the Illinois State Police and has since been terminated from the Park City Police Department.
The case has also been reported to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board for review.
Chief Stoves stated that while all individuals are presumed innocent, the allegations are “deeply concerning” and contrary to departmental standards.
Court Proceedings and Detention Hearing
During a detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Cacho poses a danger to the community and alleged a pattern of behavior involving abuse of authority.
A Lake County judge granted the state’s petition to detain Cacho pending trial, citing:
- Multiple encounters with the same victim
- Alleged use of police authority to facilitate the conduct
- Prior conduct involving the Wisconsin incident
Defense Response
Cacho’s attorney, Robert T. Ritacca, stated:
- Cacho denies the allegations of sexual misconduct
- Any sexual contact was consensual
- The complaint was reportedly initiated by the alleged victim’s boyfriend
- The Wisconsin incident was described as a good-faith attempt to assist with a vehicle issue
The defense also noted that Cacho has no prior criminal history aside from a traffic violation.
Current Status
- Cacho remains in custody at the Lake County Jail
- He is scheduled to appear in court on May 22 for a preliminary hearing
- The case remains under judicial review
FAQ
What charges is the officer facing?
Cacho faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery, and official misconduct.
Who is investigating the case?
The Illinois State Police conducted the investigation at the request of the Park City Police Department.
Has the officer been terminated?
Yes, the Park City Police Department confirmed that Cacho has been terminated.
What is the status of the case?
Cacho is currently detained pending trial, with a preliminary hearing scheduled.
What has the defense stated?
The defense denies the allegations and asserts that any interactions were consensual.
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