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Kenosha County Eye

Illinois Police Sergeant Arrested In Kenosha And Charged For Domestic Abuse

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Sergeant Joseph A. Richardt
(Kenosha Sheriff)

A 38-year old Police Sergeant with the Zion, Illinois police department was charged today with one count of disorderly conduct with the domestic abuse modifier. According to court records, the charge stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred on March 17, 2023. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s office decided against Sgt. Richard’s mugshot and booking info being displayed on the public website along-side the non-police defendants. A Sheriff’s Department spokesman said this is becuase Richardt was only a “pics and print” and not booked into the jail.

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Sergeant Joseph A. Richardt
(Zion Police Facebook)

In court today, Commissioner Keating gave Richardt a no-cash bail and ordered that he stay away from four individuals. He was given 24 hours to remove any firearms from his home and was ordered not to possess firearms with the exception of when he is on duty.

KCE emailed and called and emailed the Zion, Illinois Police Chief Tuesday night and Wednesday he responded.

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“As the Chief of Police, I’m am deeply disappointed and concerned in hearing of the alleged Domestic Violence – Disorderly Conduct report and arrest that took place in Kenosha.  Any behavior that goes against the very values and principles that we, as law enforcement, are sworn to uphold is unequivocally not tolerated or accepted within our department. We hold members, and expect them to hold themselves, accountable to the rules of law and the high standards set forth in the policies and procedures of the Zion Police Department. We take this matter very seriously and in accordance with the IL Safe -T bill act, this officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the internal investigation and criminal complaint filed.  

As a police department, we are committed to serving and protecting our community with integrity, accountability, and respect. We hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty, and will take appropriate action if those standards are not met. 

I want to emphasize that this officer’s alleged actions do not reflect the values of our department or of law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to serve and protect their communities. We will continue to work diligently to earn the trust and confidence of our community and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
 
Anyone in the City of Zion with a domestic violence complaint is encouraged to call the Zion Police Department at 847-872-8000.”

Eric Barden, Chief of Police
Zion Police Department

According to the criminal complaint, Richardt’s wife called 9-1-1 just before midnight on March 17 when Richardt had threatened to hit her. He was drunk, screaming and slamming doors, and making his children cry. The family had a St. Patrick’s day party and Richardt was upset that his wife posted photos to snapchat and didn’t send them to her. She called Richardt’s boss, Deputy Chief Sweeting at the Zion, IL police department and he told her to call 9-1-1. She told police he was abusive to her in the past and punched a hole in the wall.

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Richardt left the house before police arrived, seemingly driving drunk. Police called him and made contact. Richardt told a KPD officer that “Kenosha Police railroads people on domestic violence charges” and only listens to the women. He used profanity with the officer and was not cooperative. He didn’t tell police where he was. He then asked the officer what would happen if his wife “recants” her statement. When police later arrived at his house, Richardt used the talk feature on one of his external cameras and yelled at police, telling them to leave.

Two days later, his wife came into the Kenosha Police Department to waive the 72-hour domestic violence protection.

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He is due back in court on May 5, 2023.

Author

  • Kevin Mathewson

    Kevin Mathewson is a disciple of Christ, husband and a father to two wonderful children. Mathewson was born and raised in Lake County, IL and worked as a police & fire dispatcher from 2005 to 2010 in Round Lake Beach, IL. Mathewson moved to Kenosha County in 2006, later being elected to the position of Alderman of the 8th District in 2012 and 2016. Mathewson is a private investigator, security contractor, journalist, and photographer. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, camping and boating. His favorite amendment is the second, followed closely by the first. He loves his country and community.

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7 Responses

        1. Well you beat your wife on this statement. So you sound like a complete idiot. People like us beat our wives? You’re literally the dumbest guy on the internet.

  1. What a piece of shit and his wife needs to wake up and quit allowing him to manipulate her!! Kick him to the curb, otherwise he will keep doing the same non-sense because he thinks he’s above the law!!! Strip him of his badge, he’s a disgrace to all of the Police officers who conduct themselves in a professional manner on and off-duty!!

  2. Black officer that had the domestic violence on Zion Police Force he got fired so what’s happening with Mr Richards we’ll see how that work out

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