Chicago Cop Disgrace to Badge

Bear in mind, in February 2007, this big fat cop beat up a small woman bartender because she refused to serve him another drink. There were eye witnesses and the entire incident was videotaped. The plan, delay as long as possible then settle with probation. He won't spend a day in jail.

Cop Might Plead Guilty In Beating Of Bartender
Anthony Abbate Charged With Punching, Kicking Female Bartender

CHICAGO (CBS) ―

A lawyer for suspended Chicago police officer Anthony Abbate -- videotaped beating up a female bartender -- signaled Wednesday his client might plead guilty. Abbate's lawyer Peter Hickey requested a "402 conference," in which prosecutors, defense counsel and a judge discuss a possible plea deal. Karolina Obrycka, the female bartender allegedly punched and kicked by Abbate spoke exclusively to CBS 2's Mike Parker about the latest developments in the case.

The attack, caught on camera and shown around the world, helped lead to the resignation of police superintendent Phil Cline. The case may be soon be resolved perhaps within a month, and it could lead to prison time for Abbate. It looks as if Abbate will not stand trial after all. His attorney is now working out an agreement in which Abbate would plead guilty and then be sentenced by Cook County Judge John Fleming as early as March 11.

Abbate was seen on video brutally beating and kicking Obrycka during an off-duty drinking spree in Jesse's Shortstop Inn on the Northwest Side a year ago. He's been charged with aggravated battery, official misconduct, and trying to intimidate witnesses to the beating.

An attorney for the Obrycka says Abbate should be sentenced to state prison. "There has to be a message sent to all rogue police officers that if you violate the public trust, if you abuse your authority, there's going to be a stiff sentence to pay," said attorney Gus Munoz. Obrycka victim agrees.

"You know, you cannot be happy for somebody to go to jail but I think that he deserves to spend some time in jail," she said. "I hope I'm going to be the last victim of his terrible behavior."

"It's not only cops, I'm sorry, police officers, but any guys that's hitting you, you're supposed to report it," Obrycka added. A source close to the case says Abbate, 38, will enter what's called a blind guilty plea.

That means he'll make it with no promises from the judge about how light or how heavy his sentence might be. http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/823919,CST-NWS-cop04.article