A judge has set arraignment dates for three Illinois Youth Center guards who made their first appearances in court since being charged with criminal wrongdoing at the facility in St. Charles.
The trio – Johan Asiata, 30, of Channahon; Michael Klimek, 40, of Yorkville; and Elliott Short, 34, of St. Charles – were indicted in November in connection to a series of January incidents at the facility which involved, among other things, encouraging attacks among juvenile detainees. Led by Klimek, Asiata, Short and another guard, Andre McFarland, prompted certain detainees to commit attacks on others as a form of discipline, according to prosecutors.
The four, who have each been placed on paid administrative leave, worked as juvenile justice specialists during the incidents which occurred on six occasions between Jan. 9 and 28, prosecutors said.
A Kane County grand jury issued Klimek a 76-count indictment alleging official misconduct, aggravated battery, unlawful restraint, mob action and misdemeanor theft. Asiata was indicted on official misconduct, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint charges, while Short’s indictment includes official misconduct and aggravated battery counts. Judge David Kliment set arraignment dates of Jan. 4 for Asiata and Klimek, and Short on Jan. 6, for hearings at which they’re expected to enter not guilty pleas.
McFarland’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 12. He was charged with nine felony counts similar to what his coworkers face, court document show.
All four are free on bail.
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Illinois Youth Center-St. Charles opened in 1904 and serves as a medium-security facility, as well as a reception center for most male detainees processed by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, according to the department’s website
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News