Barbara Nevers, a Chicago police officer, is in trouble for cashing in on what she thought were normal perks of being one of Chicago’s finest. Nevers flashed her badge and gun to get free pastries and coffee at a Starbucks cafe.
The cafe had an unofficial rule that they would give free coffee to police and fire fighters in uniform, but Barbara Nevers worked a desk job and would often come in wearing plain clothes and demanding free coffee and treats. "She was vehement about getting the free pastries," said Cara Carothers, the manager of the Starbucks at 1700 W. Diversey. "This woman is aggressive."
Barbara Nevers denies flashing her gun and asking for free pastries. She says she always tipped generously and only asked for broken or garbage pastries so she could feed the birds. A police spokesperson said accepting freebies is against policy.
The police board found Barbara Nevers guilty of retail theft, using her position for official gain, unnecessary display of a weapon and other misdeeds. As a punishment for this scandal, Nevers has been suspended for 15 months.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times