Kane County suspends animal control director

Robert Sauceda, director of Kane County's animal control department, is on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Kane County state's attorney's office and the county's human resources department.

County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen acknowledged Sauceda's administrative leave and the investigation in an interview Monday.

Sauceda's county email and cellphone have been deactivated, and he is not allowed in the office pending the outcome of the investigation.

The nature of the allegations against Sauceda are being withheld for the duration of the investigation.

Sauceda's supervisor, Public Health Executive Director Barb Jeffers, is not authorized to speak about the investigation. The state's attorney's office does not comment on the existence of any investigation unless or until claims are substantiated.

Lauzen said Jeffers is working on a plan about how to deal with Sauceda's absence and what action, if any, will be taken following the investigation.

Sauceda did not immediately respond to an interview request Monday.