The Springfield Police Department issued the following on Wednesday. The allegations stem from Groth's time as a school resource officer at Lanphier High School:
Officer Rodney A. Groth, age 45, of the Springfield Police Department was indicted by a Sangamon County Grand Jury on the below listed charges:
- Two counts of Solicitation of a Sex Act
- Two counts of Official Misconduct
- One count of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
On December 23, 2015, the Springfield Police Department was made aware of possible misconduct by Ofc. Groth. An informal inquiry was immediately conducted and as a result, the Illinois State Police were requested that day to investigate due to the allegations possibly being criminal in nature. Ofc. Groth was immediately placed on administrative leave and his police powers suspended. Today’s indictment is a culmination of that investigation.
“We respect the Grand Jury’s decision and the legal process. The alleged conduct is not representative of our organization’s morals and values or those of the hardworking men and women of the Springfield Police Department. Effective 3:00p.m. today, Ofc. Groth is no longer employed as a Springfield Police Officer,” stated Chief Winslow.
Ofc. Groth was a twenty year veteran of the Springfield Police Department who served in various capacities throughout his career including as a School Resource Officer.
