In January of 2016, Michael Klimek, who at the time was a guard at the Illinois Youth Center-St. Charles, facilitated and encouraged young detainees to attack other detainees, then sat back and watched the mayhem.
For that abuse, Klimek faces from 2-5 years in prison, although he remains eligible for probation.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser announced yesterday that a jury has found the 46-year-old Klimek guilty of the offenses of official misconduct, Class 3 felony, 6 counts, and aggravated battery in a public place, Class 3 felony.
Assistant State’s Attorneys Margaret O’Brien and William Engerman presented evidence that Klimek facilitated and encouraged certain IYC juvenile detainees to physically attack other juvenile detainees and stood idly by during the attacks. He was acting in his official capacity when he engaged in the acts, which took place at the IYC-St. Charles.
“The defendant, Michael Klimek, manipulated his position as a juvenile justice specialist by exploiting juveniles who were serving their sentences at IYC-St. Charles,” stated O’Brien after the verdict. “The defendant maintained order through fear, bullying and beatings by opening doors, allowing certain youths to enter another youth’s cell with the sole intent of inflicting pain on that youth.
“His conduct was only brought to light by one brave youth, who had been beaten in the shower by two other youths. The youths were able to enter the shower because the defendant unlocked the door for them. The youth reported this incident to his therapist, who filed an incident report with IYC, launching an investigation into the behavior and criminal conduct of this defendant.”
Judge David P. Kliment set Klimek’s next court appearance for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 2022, in Courtroom 305 at the Kane County Judicial Center, for motions and sentencing. Klimek faces a sentence of between two and five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, or probation.
Klimek remains free on $750 bond.
