Several members of the Watseka Police Department have been investigated by the Illinois State Police.

The agency confirmed this investigation Thursday, although the reason or reasons for the investigation have not been made public.

ISP has turned over its investigation to the special prosecutor on the case, ISP officials said in response to an email inquiry from the Daily Journal.

The matter is now in the hands of the Office of the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor, Special Prosecution Unit, they said.

Any other inquiries should be directed to that unit, ISP said.

A special prosecutor is appointed when there is a conflict of interest.

The Iroquois County State’s Attorney’s Office works with Watseka police, which creates a conflict of interest.

WCIA reported Wednesday on its website that Watseka Police Chief Eric Starkey said the officers involved have been on paid leave since July.

Starkey could not confirm the identities of the officers nor how many are being investigated, WCIA reported.

According to the Watseka Police Department’s website, there are 11 full-time officers on the force.