Sources: Ex-cop from Willow Springs Gary Engel charged in plot to kill businessman dies in apparent suicide - He was charged with former Chicago police officer Steven Manning -- who now goes by the name Steven Mandell

Former Willow Springs Police Officer Gary Engel Dead from Suicide while in Federal Custody

A former Willow Springs officer facing federal extortion charges died early Monday morning in what officials believe is an apparent suicide.

Gary Engel, 61, was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. Monday after officials say he hung himself in his McHenry County Jail cell, according to federal authorities. A representative at the McHenry County jail declined comment Monday night.

An investigation into the death is ongoing, U.S. Marshals spokeswoman Belkis Cantor said. Engel was scheduled to appear in Dirksen Federal Court on Tuesday for an arraignment on his charges.

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