Two special prosecutors will represent the state in the case against former Henry County Jail Administrator Jericco Lessard.
Lee County State’s Attorney Charles Boonstra and Lee County Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Brim appeared in the Henry County Circuit Court Monday for Lessard’s first court appearance.
Lessard, who took over as the Henry County jail administrator in 2021, is charged with four counts of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images.
Allegations of off duty misconduct by Lessard led to an investigation early this year by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Lessard was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 8, 2024, but resigned on Jan. 23, 2024, at the onset of an investigation by the Illinois State Police.
During Lessard’s arraignment hearing, Judge James Colby read the four counts against him and the penalties.
Lessard is alleged to have disseminated images of two women, known only in court documents by their initials and birthdates. Three counts allege that Lessard disseminated photos of one of the women on Oct. 14, 2023. The counts allege that Lessard shared images without permission where “intimate parts were exposed.” Images of a second woman were reportedly shared by Lessard on June 2 of 2023.
Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in the IDOC, along with one-year of mandatory supervision and up to a $25,000 fine.
Lessard was self-represented but will be appointed a public defender by the court. Lessard told the court that he is currently not employed and supports a family.
The HCSO issued a press release in February of this year that the department was made aware of off duty allegations of misconduct by the jail administrator. The HCSO began an internal investigation and placed Lessard on paid administrative leave. The matter was then turned over to the ISP for an “independent and transparent investigation” according to a news release issued at that time. The charges against Lessard were filed in April.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 3.
