BLOOMINGTON - A former McLean County correctional officer accused of sexual misconduct with female jail inmates faces criminal charges. Robert C. Hall, 34, whose address was listed in the 1500 block of Hunt Drive, Normal, faces five counts of custodial sexual misconduct and one count of intimidation.

Robert C. Hall

Authorities allege Hall, who worked at the jail from June 2006 until April, made sexually explicit advances to female inmates and exposed himself. The charges say the incidents happened from June 2006 to November 2007.

The intimidation charge alleges he threatened physical harm to an inmate if she told on him, McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery said.

Arrested on a warrant Monday, Hall posted $2,000 bail and was released until a May 30 court date.

A probable cause statement prepared by McLean County First Assistant State's Attorney Kim Campbell alleges that Hall, whose duties included monitoring and supervising female inmates, had improper contact with four of them. The statement said other female inmates corroborated what the women said.

According to the probable cause statement, one inmate said Hall exposed himself to her, hugged and kissed her and grabbed her breast and buttocks.

Another said Hall showed her sexually explicit drawings and pulled her shirt up and exposed himself.

A third said Hall made sexually explicit comments and entered her cell.

A fourth said Hall exposed himself and grabbed her face and tried to kiss her.

All charges are Class 3 felonies.

Emery said Hall resigned May 7, two days after Emery asked the Sheriff's Merit Commission to discipline him.

Hall is one of 67 correctional officers.

The first inkling that something was wrong surfaced March 24 when an inmate came forward, Emery said, adding there was additional information three days later. On March 31, Emery ordered a criminal investigation.

The alleged incidents went unnoticed for so long because "none of these female inmates came forward to report this misconduct," Emery said.

Emery eventually ordered an internal investigation into the jail workings, and Hall was put on administrative leave.

Hall was arrested without incident at his Normal home, Emery said.

Emery said he wasn't sure if the county would face any civil liability because of Hall's alleged actions.

However, one result of the internal investigation is that jail officials will consider having only female correctional officers supervising female inmates.

Emery said any cloud over the jail would be temporary "because we dealt with him (Hall) appropriately."