Delatorre Thankful This Holiday Season

The world of was turned upside down this past year after he was caught running naked in his condo building. But he is thankful this holiday season despite his personal tumult, he said. Delatorre contacted Patch recently to share his side of the story.

Delatorre was arrested Feb. 1 and nine court hearings later, sentenced to two years of court supervision. If he completes all requirements of the supervision his record can be expunged, according to his attorney, Joseph Roddy. Delatorre was placed on administrative leave immediately after his arrest and later resigned his position.

While his case was in court, Delatorre and his attorney turned down requests to speak with Patch, but with a judge's final ruling behind him, Steven Delatorre is ready to talk and says he feels remorse for anyone he offended. He is unhappy about losing a job he loved but thankful no one was seriously hurt by his admittedly bizarre behavior, Delatorre said.

Since the death of his mother in April 2010, Delatorre told Patch he was flung into a personal depression that in part led to . 

“My mom was my best friend,” Delatorre said. “We were the classic American family and I didn’t know what I was going to do. It ripped the heart out of me. It put me on a path to destruction.” 

What did happen to Delatorre after his mother’s death was an increasing use of alcohol and over-the-counter sleeping medication, he said. With the self-medication came increasingly unusual behavior that led to his arrest, 

“[I have] been in therapy with two doctors who all agree it was a form of self medication and bizarre streaking behavior,” Delatorre said of the actions leading to his arrest.

More than anything else Delatorre is thankful his actions never caused a serious injury or worse to another person. “Thank God I didn’t hurt anyone or kill anyone,” he said. “I could have been behind the wheel.” 

When Delatorre was not working, he found himself too depressed to be at home and instead went to the tavern, he told Patch. Between his professional training and his work experience, he retained the good sense not to drive a car, he said, and instead confined his drinking to neighborhood bars.

“I have seen so many accidents it never crossed my mind,” Delatorre said of driving while intoxicated. “I never had the opportunity to get behind the wheel when drunk.”

Delatorre said his arrest in February was his wake up call. He started getting therapy and continues to do so. Continuing treatment is one of the requirements of his court-ordered supervision arising from the resolution of his case. 

If he continues to seek therapy for the next two years and does not repeat his offenses, he can ask the court to clear his record, according to his attorney Joe Roddy. 

Working as a dispatcher — which he did for 23 years in  — was Delatorre’s professional love. Having that end was a major disappointment, he said.

“I was making $100,000 a year and was the happiest man in the world,” he said of his life before he lost his mother. “I never thought I would disgrace myself, my name and my reputation.” 

For now Delatorre is as a personal trainer and developing a house-painting business. He has always had the talent to paint homes and has returned to that trade to help earn a living. He hopes to return to his role as a dispatcher at some point.

“I would love to go back,” Delatorre said. “Hopefully one day it will happen.” 

Want to stay up to date on the lastest Glenview news? Like us on Facebook!