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.