A Park City police officer, who is a former Lake County sheriff’s deputy, has been arrested on numerous felonies after he allegedly sexually abused a woman during traffic stops.
The Park City Police Department said it received allegations on January 28 that Park City Police Officer Patrick Cacho had acted unprofessionally.
The department learned that Cacho had possibly engaged in criminal conduct while on duty on more than one occasion in the preceding weeks.
Park City Chief of Police Kenneth Stoves said the allegations involved an adult female who had contact with Cacho during traffic stops.
Cacho, whose full name is Patrick Josef Alpay Cacho, was “immediately relieved of all duties” and placed on unpaid administrative leave based on the seriousness of the allegations, Stoves said.
The department also requested that the Illinois State Police conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
The state police consulted with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office following the investigation, Stoves said.
Cacho has been formally charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, aggravated battery, official misconduct and criminal sexual abuse.
Stoves said Cacho was taken into custody by the Illinois State Police on Tuesday and has now been terminated from the Park City Police Department.
The incidents have been reported to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.
“While all individuals in the criminal justice system are presumed innocent until proven guilty, these allegations are deeply concerning and run counter to the ethical standards upheld by the Park City Police Department,” Stoves said.
Cacho was first hired by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as a full-time deputy in December 2022 and left the agency in January 2024, according to law enforcement records.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Christopher Covelli said Cacho resigned after it “became clear he would not successfully complete the vetting” in the field training program.
“This individual has not had any affiliation with our office since that time,” Covelli said.
He later joined the Park City Police Department as a part-time police officer in September 2025.
Cacho is likely to appear in court on Wednesday for a First Appearance Court hearing.