Cop on Lightfoot detail faces charge

A Chicago police officer assigned to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s security detail has been charged with a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.

The 17-year veteran officer, Marni Washington, turned herself in about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 2400 block of West Belmont Avenue after a warrant was issued for her arrest for the June 27 incident, according to Chicago police.

During an argument, a 53-year-old woman tried to leave a residence when Washington, 50, allegedly pinned the woman with her arm against a wall and threatened her verbally, police said. She also removed property from the woman and ripped her clothing, police said.

According to city records, Washington is assigned to the mayor’s detail as a “security specialist” and earns a salary of $107,790.

Lightfoot was asked about the embarrassing incident at a news conference Wednesday.

“I’m not gonna get into the specifics, given the circumstances. The process will be a process that is followed. It’s long-standing CPD protocol,” the mayor said. “It’s a person that I know. A person that I care [about] and value. But the process is gonna have to play out in normal course.”

Washington was stripped of police powers and has been placed on administrative duty, police said. She appeared in court Wednesday before Judge Megan Goldish, who set bail at $10,000. She was released after posting bond.

An order of protection has been issued in the case, according to court records.