20K Bond For Head Of Chicago Anti-Violence Group Arrested For Allegedly Hitting Wife
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A judge set bond at $20,000 for the head of a publicly funded anti-violence group is now facing charges after allegedly attacking his wife inside their suburban home.
Tio Hardiman was represented in bond court by a public defender. His wife retained attorney Ferdinand Serpe after the alleged incident.
"She is physically recovering. She was struck head, back, neck, face, torso," said Serpe.
Serpe said she wants her husband prosecuted.
"Domestic violence is wrong, we know that. Under no condition should any man ever strike a woman or vice-versa," said Serpe.
Hardiman's future with Ceasefire is uncertain and this case could impact the organization's future as well as the city will decide in the coming weeks whether to continue its contract with the group which employs former gang members who try to prevent violence on the streets.
20K Bond For Head Of Chicago Anti-Violence Group
Police say Hardiman's wife told officers she and Hardiman got into an argument Thursday night and things got physical.
She showed them bruises to prove it.
"They had probable cause to make an arrest, and Mr. Hardiman was placed into custody for domestic battery," said Hillside Police Chief Joseph Lukaszek.
"She appears to be OK. She refused medical treatment. We offered medical treatment and to transport her to the hospital, but she refused that."
This is not the first time Hardiman has been charged with domestic battery.
Court records show a 1999 charge in which an order of protection was issued.
Hardiman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year of court supervision. The order of protection was later dismissed.
