An Illinois Department of Corrections lieutenant who faced charges of theft and official misconduct has been arrested.
Lt. Perry Kirk, 57, from Hazel Crest, Illinois, was arrested at the Stateville Correctional Center where he worked, according to a statement from Illinois State Police.
“The charges stem from incidents which occurred in Will County involving theft of transportation funds,” the statement said. “The allegations against Kirk were brought to the Illinois State Police by Illinois Department of Corrections officials.”
Kirk was accused of stealing so-called “gate money” from two prisoners. Gate money is a small sum, usually $20 to $50, given to prisoners to help them buy meals when they are initially released from Stateville.
Kirk denied the charge, according to a report on Patch.com, saying he did not recall interacting with either of the alleged victim inmates. The report said Kirk was paid more than $120,000 per year.
Kirk was held in the Will County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.