DeKALB – DeKalb Sgt. Jeffery Weese has resigned from the DeKalb Police Department, according to a resignation agreement between the city and Weese.

Weese began paid administrative leave Nov. 1, and his resignation won’t take effect until Feb. 28, according to the three-page agreement. The document states that Weese’s resignation was a “free and voluntary act.” 

Throughout Weese’s paid administrative leave, he’ll be paid the remaining amount of his accrued time at the department, such as compensatory, vacation and sick leave, according to the agreement. Weese will also remain covered under the city’s health insurance until July 21, 2021.

“We respect Sgt. Weese’s decision. He has voluntarily resigned to pursue other opportunities,” City Manager Bill Nicklas said in a statement. 

In August 2019, Weese was shown in a video posted online of him choking Elonte McDowell, 26, of Aurora, during an arrest in the Lincoln Towers parking lot. 

DeKalb Police said the stop was based on information they had received that claimed McDowell had “a load of drugs.” When the police tried to place McDowell under arrest, he tried to get away, according to an Aug. 28 Northern Star article. 

In February, Weese served a 30-day unpaid suspension and underwent cultural competence and use of force training for his actions during McDowell’s arrest. 

Jocelyn Santana, a leader from the local Black Lives Matter group, posted to their Facebook page in response to Weese’s resignation “to take a moment to acknowledge the advocacy and work of many constituents in DeKalb.”

“Accountability as such sends a resounding message that advocacy work matters and that together we can impact change,” the statement reads. “This is just the beginning of our work. Together we can continue to build a community that acknowledges and celebrates differences. We must, however, be willing to do this work.”