THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2007
Supporters Rally For Man Convicted
By DANIEL CAMERON
Journal Reporter
It may happen often on school yards, but in the real world, the consequences of fighting can be much more severe than a detention. Chicago resident Mike Mette knows that all too well.
Despite rough weather last Thursday night, over 500 friends and supporters of the Chicago policeman gathered at White Eagle Banquets in Niles for a dinner to raise money for Mette's legal defense from a fighting incident in Iowa in October 2005 that led to Mette, 30, getting five years in jail.
A chairman of supporters, led by Niles Police Commander Dennis McInerney, organized the dinner, which counted Cook County State's Attorney Dick Devine, Chicago Ald. Bernie Stone, and even "Law & Order" actor Dennis Farina, a former Chicago police officer, among its attendees. Some drove hours to attend.
"We all looked at it and said this is a total miscarriage of justice," said McInerney.
According to Dean Patras, a lifelong friend, Mette, 28 at the time, visited Dubuque, Ia. for his brother's birthday celebration two Octobers ago. The two were on their way home when two college students from Dubuque College allegedly approached them and picked a fight. One of the students, a 20-year-old 6'1 star basketball player at Dubuque, allegedly shoved Mette three times in the chest. After the third time, Mette hit the boy once, and he was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. Allegedly, the boy's inebriated state, not Mette's excessive use of force, led to the boy's unconscious state.
Mette was reportedly convicted of felony battery in July 2007 and is scheduled to report to jail on Nov. 5.
"Nobody teaches their kids to go out and look for fights," said McInerney. "But if someone attacks you, you defend yourself. Mike did that, and he's paying the price."
According to McInerney, Mike was also defending his brother, who was allegedly accosted by another student. The case is currently in the appeals process.
"Police are always in the spotlight of things," admitted McInerney. "Sometimes it's a good thing sometimes it's a bad thing. But this kid doesn't deserve this."