On August 20, 2021, a former Lake County Sheriff’s Correctional Officer was arrested for custodial sexual misconduct and official misconduct.
In December of 2020, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards initiated an investigation after learning Elizabeth A. Blomstrand, 40, of the 100 block of Knob Hill Lane, Gurnee, was possibly involved in rule/policy violations. At that time, a different correctional officer went to a jail pod to relieve Blomstrand for the evening. At the time the relief correctional officer entered the pod, an inmate was found to be out of his cell, well after all of the inmates should have been in their cells sleeping. This raised concerns and the relief correctional officer notified his supervisor.
After hearing the preliminary details, Sheriff John D. Idleburg authorized a formal internal investigation into the matter. Blomstrand was placed on administrative leave when the investigation commenced, but she resigned on December 29, 2020. Although she resigned, the investigation continued and changed to a criminal investigation when evidence of criminal conduct was discovered. The investigation resulted in showing Blomstrand engaged in sexual contact with an inmate at least two times in December of 2020.
The investigation consisted of interviewing correctional officers, inmates, viewing video surveillance, and reviewing inmate telephone calls. Following the investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts and circumstances of the case. On August 20, 2021, the state’s attorney’s office drafted an arrest warrant for two counts of custodial sexual misconduct (class 3 felonies) and two counts of official misconduct (class 3 felonies). A Lake County Judge authorized the warrant and set Blomstrand’s bond at $50,000.00.
On August 20, 2021, members of the Sheriff’s Warrants Team began surveillance in an area Blomstrand was believed to be. A short time later, Blomstrand was observed driving in the area. Warrants Deputies initiated a traffic stop and took Blomstrand into custody without incident. She was initially processed at the Lake County Jail, however, is being held at the McHenry County Jail, due to her prior employment.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “We are responsible for enforcing the law, following the law, and keeping people safe, including our inmates. I have zero-tolerance for anyone within our ranks who violate the law and the public’s trust. This former employee certainly does not represent the values of the hard-working men and women within our organization.”
Blomstrand is due to appear at an initial court hearing this morning.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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