Lake County deputy arrested for domestic battery

A veteran Lake County sheriff's deputy is on paid administrative leave after being arrested and charged with domestic battery in McHenry County, officials announced Tuesday.

Leroy Pugesek, 50, of Spring Grove, posted $2,000 bail and is free from jail after he surrendered to McHenry County Sheriff's Office authorities about 5:30 p.m. Monday, Lt. John Miller said.

Miller said an unidentified female contacted sheriff's officers at 11 p.m. Friday from Centegra Hospital-McHenry and claimed Pugesek had assaulted her at his house in Spring Grove that evening.

Officers took the woman's statement, then spoke with Pugesek, who denied the altercation took place, Miller said.

On Monday, Miller said, the woman appeared before a McHenry County judge, signed a formal criminal complaint of domestic battery against Pugesek, and obtained an order of protection.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, Miller said, and Pugesek turned himself in to McHenry County Sheriff's deputies.

Pugesek has been placed on paid administrative leave from the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Christopher Thompson said Tuesday. An internal investigation has been ordered to review the case, he said.

Pugesek has been with the Lake County Sheriff's Office since 1987, Thompson said, and is assigned to the highway patrol division.

Pugesek was hailed a hero in July 2004 for rushing in to try and save two people in a small plane that crashed on Rollins Road in Fox Lake. Both victims died on impact.

Pugesek was burned on his neck, face and hands when the plane exploded while he was rushing to check on the occupants.

Pugesek was on medical leave for about six months following the crash, and was given the department's Distinguished Service Award in February 2005 for his heroism.