A former Lake County Sheriff’s Office correctional officer faced charges of sexual misconduct with an inmate in court Thursday, September 30, 2021.
Elizabeth A. Blomstrand entered a plea of not guilty through her defense attorney, Jed Stone, in front of Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras Thursday morning. Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffrey Facklam, chief of the office’s Felony Division, is prosecuting the case.
Blomstrand, 40, of Gurnee, faces four felony counts in the case, including two counts of custodial sexual misconduct and two of official misconduct involving a forbidden act.
“This crime impacts so many parts of our justice system and will be dealt with gravely. I want to commend the outstanding work of the Sheriffs team and Mr. Facklam,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said Thursday.
Last December, the Lake County Sheriff’s Professional Standards Team initiated a preliminary investigation after concerns were raised about some of Blomstrand’s actions in the jail. Sheriff John Idleburg then ordered a formal investigation.
During the investigation, Blomstrand was placed on administrative leave, but she resigned December 29, 2020.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that the investigation revealed that Blomstrand had engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate at least two times last December.
After reviewing the investigation, which included video surveillance evidence, a check of inmate phone calls and various interviews, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges against Blomstrand. She was indicted by a Lake County Grand Jury on Sept. 15, 2021.
Judge Booras set Blomstrand’s next court appearance for Nov. 22.
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