Oswegoland Park District Executive Director Thomas K. Betsinger has been put on paid administrative leave, as the park board investigates his conduct in an incident that resulted in police arresting him and accusing him of felony crimes.
Betsinger, 50, of Montgomery was arrested Sunday evening after reportedly crashing into multiple vehicles and attempting to strike a pedestrian, according to past reporting. After being taken into custody by the Yorkville Police Department, he was taken to the Kendall County Jail and booked on charges of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol and attempted reckless homicide.
Deputy Chief Garrett Carlyle of the Yorkville Police Department told The Beacon-News that Betsinger declined to provide a statement to the police department. Carlyle confirmed that there were no injuries resulting from the incident, and said the pedestrian told the department that they do not know Betsinger. The department’s investigation into the incident is closed, Carlyle told The Beacon-News on Friday.
In court documents from the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office, State’s Attorney Eric Weis stated that Betsinger “chased” the pedestrian with his vehicle, and “accelerated the vehicle numerous times in an attempt to run over” the pedestrian.
Laura Finch, the Director of Marketing and Customer Service for the Oswegoland Park District, told The Beacon-News in an email that its Board of Commissioners “is aware of the reported events” and that Betsinger was placed on administrative leave Tuesday. The move to place him on leave was then ratified by the park board Thursday evening, Finch said.
The park board’s law firm, Ancel Glink, is performing an independent investigation into the incident, attorney Mark Heinle from Ancel Glink told The Beacon-News in an email Friday. That investigation is already underway, Heinle confirmed. He said Betsinger will remain on paid administrative leave and not be performing any duties for the park district until the conclusion of the investigation, for which Heinle said there is not a specific timeline.
On Thursday, the board also appointed the park district’s Director of Parks and Planning Chad Feldotto as Deputy Executive Director to serve in Betsinger’s absence, Finch said.
More Top Picks Best Wedge Pillows For Snoring
Betsinger, reached by phone, declined to comment. His attorney, Daniel Transier, told The Beacon-News over the phone that he filed an appearance in court on Thursday, but declined to comment further on the case.
According to Kendall County court records, Betsinger has been released with special conditions. His next court date is set for Aug. 18.