Oswegoland Park District Executive Director Resigns Following Arrest

OSWEGO, IL — Oswegoland Park District Executive Tom Betsinger resigned from his role amid an investigation into attempted reckless homicide and aggravated battery charges, officials said Friday.

Betsinger was arrested July 13 after Yorkville police said he attempted to run a man over in the parking lot of BrightFarms Greenhouse before crashing into two parked cars and fleeing. The victim told police he had never met Betsinger nor had any prior relationship with him, Patch reported.

The 50-year-old Montgomery resident was charged with aggravated battery, attempted reckless homicide, driving under the influence, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and failure to notify owner of damaged vehicle, court records show.

The Oswegoland Park District Board of Commissioners received and accepted his resignation as of Friday and plans to launch a search for a successor, according to a news release. Betsinger became executive director of the Oswegoland Park District in December 2023.

"The Park District is committed to upholding our core values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration, while holding our officers and employees to the highest standards of conduct," the Oswegoland Park District said in a news release. "We remain steadfast in fostering a safe environment for our employees and patrons and in engaging our community with transparency and respect. Above all, we are dedicated to our purpose of creating opportunities for a healthy community."

The Board appointed Director of Parks and Planning Chad Feldotto as deputy executive director on July 17. Betsinger was placed on paid administrative leave following the incident.

Betsinger's next court date is set for Aug. 8 in front of Judge Jody Gleason.

RELATED:

• Yorkville Police Offer New Details, But No Motive, In Alleged Attack By Oswegoland Park District Director
• Oswegoland Park District Director Tried To Hit Pedestrian, Crashed Into 2 Parked Cars: Yorkville PD
• Deputy Executive Director Appointed At Oswegoland Park District