MORRISON, Illinois -A Rock Falls police detective accused of stealing money from a dead man pleaded not guilty in Whiteside County court on Monday.
Police Sgt. Veronica Jamarillo is accused of taking more than $1,700 from a man who died of a heroin overdose. She was the detective on the case.
Rodney DePotter had the cash with him when he died, part of a small inheritance from his grandfather.
His mom, Penny DePotter says she begged the police officer for the money back to help bury her son, but was told it was being held as evidence.
Illinois State Police launched an investigation, and Jamarillo is now charged with theft and misconduct. Police say she took the money and paid her bills with it.
Jamarillo told Judge Ted Kutsunis that she is trying to work in the bar and restaurant business, and was told it would be okay as long as she does not drink alcohol.
Earlier this month, Jamarillos's sister and her boyfriend were named in an undercover drug investigation and alleged drug conspiracy.
Jamarillo was placed on leave once she was arrested. A special prosecutor from the Illinois Attorney General's Office and a judge from Rock Island County have been appointed to the case because of Jamarillo's professional ties to Whiteside County law enforcement and judges.