Sheriff's Officer Convicted After Sexual Misconduct With Inmate At DuPage County Jail

WHEATON, IL — A former DuPage County Sheriff's Officer was found guilty of custodial sexual misconduct and official misconduct after he used his position as a corrections officer to have sex with a female inmate, prosecutors said.

Ricardo Hardy, 54, of Elgin, was fired from his role in May 2023 shortly after the initial report emerged. According to a news release, Hardy "engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts in the inmate’s cell" and in the facilities bathroom and shower area.

Prosecutors say that the incidents took place between March 13, 2023, and April 25, 2023 and that Hardy also contributed $300 to the inmate's commissary account. He was arrested on May 15, 2023 and released the following day on bond.

“As a deputy sheriff assigned to corrections, Mr. Hardy clearly held a position of authority over his victim,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

Berlin added, “He then used his position as a corrections officer to engage in sexual activities with an inmate. His actions are nothing short of a complete abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust placed in him not only by the Sheriff’s Office but also the residents of DuPage County. I emphasize however, that Mr. Hardy’s actions are not an indictment of the outstanding work and dedication of the Sheriff’s Office’s Corrections Bureau employees. They have an incredibly difficult job, and they perform their duties admirably day in and day out."

Hardy will appear in court again on Aug. 14 to receive a pre-sentencing report.