March 12, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A correctional officer is charged with six counts of sexual misconduct and one count of official misconduct at the White County Jail.

Illinois State Police said an extensive investigation revealed that Darren R. Hays, 57, of Carmi, Illinois, engaged in a sexual relationship with a female inmate while he was on duty at the facility.

MAN CHARGED WITH THREATENING JUDGES

A Libertyville man is charged with sending threatening letters to federal judges in Texas and Florida.

Prosecutors say James Lebuhn, 65, mailed letters in March 2025 to U.S. District Court judges in Amarillo, Texas, and Fort Pierce, Florida for the purpose of making a true threat.

Arraignment is set for Thursday, March 26 in Chicago.

CREDIT UNION ROBBERY SUSPECT NABBED

FBI Springfield Acting Special Agent in Charge Ruben Marchand-Morales says a rapid response by Swansea police helped neutralize a bank robbery last week.

Deondre E. Jones, 55, is charged with robbing a credit union in Swansea on the afternoon of March 6 and fleeing on foot. According to the federal complaint, police officers arrested Jones about eight minutes later.

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