Pubdate: Wed, 17 Aug 2005
Source: Naperville Sun (IL)
Copyright: 2005 Sun Publications
Contact: 1500 Ogden Ave., Naperville IL 60540
Website: http://www.copleynewspapers.com/sunpub/naper/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/853
Author: Matt Hanley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

JAIL GUARD DISMISSED FOR LYING ABOUT DRUGS

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP - A Kane County jail guard has been fired for lying 
about drug use, authorities said.

Last week, the sheriff's disciplinary commission agreed with the 
department's recommendation that eight-year veteran Thomas Simmons had lied 
on his initial application and during an internal investigation about 
smoking part of a marijuana cigarette while off duty. Simmons also was 
accused of stealing a jail guard uniform.

"We can't have our employees using drugs; it's the same for the people 
we're watching," Undersheriff Mike Anderson said. "And our whole careers 
are based on integrity. If you're a proven liar, you can't work here."

Simmons was charged with the offenses in May. His only recourse now would 
be to appeal his termination in civil court.

Simmons, 42, is the second guard to be disciplined in the past month as 
part of investigation into problems in the jail's booking department. Guard 
Michelle Kelly received a 120-day suspension for insubordination two weeks 
ago. Two other guards have also been recently charged with crimes.

In May, Montgomery resident Albert Jackson, a 16-year veteran, resigned 
after being charged with two counts of official misconduct, one count of 
felony theft and one count of misdemeanor theft for allegedly stealing 
jewelry and clothing from inmates. He has pleaded not guilty.

Frederick B. Shead, 34, an Aurora resident who worked as a correctional 
officer for about a year, was charged in October 2004 with engaging in 
sexual acts with a female inmate on at least three occasions between July 
23 and Aug. 8 of last year.

Another disciplinary commission is expected to convene at 9 a.m. today in 
the sheriff's office, charging a deputy with neglect of duty. This 
investigation is unrelated to the previous incidents, Anderson said.

"It's unpleasant for everyone who works here," Anderson said. "For 99.9 
percent of the employees who are doing a heck of a good job, they get 
painted with a wide brush. But you find out something's wrong and you deal 
with it."

State's Attorney John Barsanti said a grand jury investigation looking into 
alleged illegal activities by jail personnel will conclude by the end of 
August. Barsanti originally thought the grand jury would end Monday, but 
new information has extended the investigation, he said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth