Ex-Kane sheriff's sergeant faces sex assault charges

KANE COUNTY – A former Kane County Sheriff's sergeant is facing several sexual assault charges for allegedly making unlawful physical contact with four jail employees.

According to a news release from Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon and Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain, Russell H. Norris, 48, of Montgomery, has been charged with attempted criminal sexual assault, six counts of official misconduct and criminal sexual abuse, all felonies.

Prosecutors allege that Norris made contact with the employees at the jail while working. According to Sheriff Hain, an employee filed a complaint about Norris on July 4, and Norris was placed on administrative leave July 6.

Norris resigned from the sheriff’s office on Aug. 3. The Kane County Major Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office hired Norris on July 13, 1998, and promoted him sergeant on June 12, 2009. Norris’ worked in the office’s Corrections Division, the release stated.

A Kane County judge signed a warrant for Norris’ arrest and set his bail at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply for bond.

Norris surrendered Tuesday at the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, posted $10,000 bond and was released. The judge set Norris’ next court appearance for 9 a.m. Dec. 8.

If convicted of the most serious offense, Norris faces a sentence of between three and seven years in prison.