Williamson County Jail correctional officer facing charges, 4 correctional officers suspended after complaint

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – A Williamson County Jail correctional officer faces charges and four correctional officers have been suspended with pay after a complaint from a person who was recently released from the custody of the Williamson County Jail.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint on July 1 from somone who had been recently released from the custody of the Williamson County Jail.

The information provided described an incident involving excessive use of force by a correctional officer on June 28 at 9:09 p.m.

Sheriff Jeff Diederich says the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has and is continuing to conduct an internal investigation which has recovered sufficient evidence, including video, that probable cause of a criminal offense has occurred.

“The conduct which has occurred in this matter is inconsistent with the values and expectations of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Those sworn to protect are held to the highest standard. Regrettably, those involved in this incident failed to meet that standard,” said Sheriff Diederich.

Sheriff Diederich announced that on July 2, 2024, in consultation with Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson, the following action has been taken:

Jeffrey L. Stallings was cited for aggravated battery, a violation of 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05; a class 3 felony, official misconduct, a violation of 720 ILCS 5/33-3; a class 3 felony and he was remanded into the custody of the Williamson County sheriff.

Stallings is being housed in a nearby county detention center due to his prior status at this facility.

Four correctional officers have been suspended with pay, pursuant to policy, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“As law enforcement officers we are charged with holding those who commit criminal activity accountable. Without first holding our own accountable we would fail to maintain the public’s trust,” said Sheriff Diederich.

“What comes with the responsibility of being transparent with those activities and publishing all of the arrests that we make, is that we do the same thing when unfortunately that becomes one of our own,” Diederich added.

Diederich also wanted the public to know that “they can have trust in the system, that they can have confidence that things occur outside of our control as the sheriff I’m responsible for everything that goes on within this organization.”

This investigation continues.

Additional charges and actions are anticipated.