McLean County correctional officer charged with worker’s comp fraud

Posted on November 16, 2022

police car — *With the filing of charges, Hitch is now on administrative leave without pay. (WJBC file photo)*

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge alleging worker’s compensation fraud against a county correctional officer.

In a release, McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says that officer is Ryan Hitch, 48.

He is alleged to have intentionally made false or fraudulent material statements or material representations for the purpose of obtaining a worker’s comp benefit by falsely stating and misrepresenting the severity of an injury.

The allegation goes further to say that he obtained or attempted to obtain more than $10,000 as part of his claim.

On September 15, Hitch was placed on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation into policy violations alleging misuse of leave time. A criminal investigation began October 4.

With the filing of charges, Hitch is now on administrative leave without pay. Sandage says he has filed a complaint with the McLean County Sheriff’s Office Merit Commission to seek the termination of Hitch.

Hitch has since bonded out of the jail, according to the jail.

The sheriff’s office has begun an in-depth look into claims made by current and former employees. Sandage says they will continue to pursue charges and seek restitution if those cases show fraudulent statements or misrepresentations.

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