For decades, gay men have been threatened by men posing as officers and shaking them down for money in exchange for their freedom. This fear was real because being arrested could lead to loss of a job or worse. But in 2003, not all gays are so easily victimized. Two gay men who were allegedly being shaken down by a man claiming to be an officer who caught them having sex in a Cook County Forest Preserve did capitulate and give him $100. They also promised a computer as an additional bribe.
In the mean time, however, the men contacted the Forest Preserve Police and an investigation involving Forest Preserve and Sheriff’s Officers ensued. The man did turn out to be a real officer—Ronnie Baffield, 48, a Cook County Correctional Officer for more than 20 years, most recently in drug enforcement.
A sting operation was set up at Bemis Woods, near Westchester, where the victims were first approached June 6 by Baffield. Baffield returned July 10, collected his bribe, and was then arrested on two counts of bribery and three counts of official misconduct, reported Kelly Cassidy, director of programs and development for the Cook County State’s Attorney. A $75,000 bond was set Monday, and his court date is Aug. 4. Anyone who experienced a similar incident should call (773) 869-6283.
The Cook County Sheriff could not release a photo of Baffield because the employee’s union has a collective bargaining agreement that says they can not release mug shots or photos of any employees.
Baffield was suspended without pay Monday and the Sheriff’s Office is moving to terminate his employment.