Will County correctional officer accused of sexually assaulting a child, sheriff's office says

Daniel T. Herod, a 41-year-old employee of the Will County Sheriff’s Office, has been charged with serious offenses, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and criminal sexual assault of a family member under 18. His arrest was executed by U. S. Homeland Security agents at his home in Elwood on Thursday, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against a member of law enforcement.

Having been employed by the sheriff’s office since 2010, Herod served as a deputy correctional officer at the Will County Adult Detention Facility, raising questions about the vetting process for law enforcement personnel. While details surrounding the charges have not been disclosed, the implications of such allegations are profound, affecting community trust in local law enforcement. Herod appeared in court on Friday, where he was informed of the charges against him. He is scheduled to return to court on April 4, 2025, as the case unfolds. This incident underscores critical issues related to sexual assault, especially involving minors, and the importance of accountability within law enforcement agencies.

The community is left grappling with the unsettling reality of such allegations against a public servant.