James Presley has been a Rockford Police officer since May 2004.

On November 1st, 2012, Presley responded to a call to assist a woman in retrieving items from a shared home with her husband, Demetrius Bennett. The woman told police of domestic abuse that had taken place in days leading up to November 1st.

Presley was joined by Rockford Police officers Ryan Marko, Mark Danner and Nolan Walker.

Shortly after arriving on scene the four police officers cornered Demetrius Bennett in the kitchen of the home.

The four officers initiated a “stand off” that would last an hour. During the standoff, one of the four officers pepper sprayed Demetrius Bennett in the face.

It was alleged - by the police the only witnesses and no video was recorded - that Demetrius reached into the sink grabbed a plastic bag and steak knife.

All four police officers shot and killed him.

Presley used to be married to Rockford Police officer Courtney Tillman-Listhrop.

In 2019, Presley made $93,306 in salary + $5,164 in overtime = $98,470 + $25,350 in health insurance + $30,497 pension pay.

In 2020, they made $96,041 in salary + $7,550 in overtime = $103,591 + $25,350 in health insurance + $33,025 in pension pay.

In 2021, they made $106,273 in salary + $3,028 in overtime = $109,301 + $24,960 in health insurance + $34,932 in pension pay.

In 2022, they made $110,670 in salary + $5,566 in overtime = $116,236 + $25,350 in health insurance + $39,700 in pension pay.

In 2023, they made $124,818 in salary + $9,344 in overtime = $134,162 + $25,350 in health insurance + $46,059 in pension pay.

In 2024, they made $118,372 in salary + $6,357 in overtime = $124,729 + $26,325 in health insurance + $52,059 in pension pay.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, harassed or otherwise mistreated by this officer please email us with the officers name in the subject.