Nonprofit Head Who Bashed DuPage Sheriff's Office Leaving

ELMHURST, IL – The head of a faith-based group who blasted DuPage County sheriff's officials a few years ago has indicated he is leaving his work at the county jail.

In a recent social media post, Michael Beary, executive director of JUST of DuPage, said it's been a "great" eight years in which his group has saved hundreds of men from street life and addiction.

Four years ago, JUST was among the topics in a sheriff's office investigation into the county jail's gang unit, prompted by an FBI audit.

The investigation's report concluded that Beary undermined the jail's command staff.

Based in the county jail for more than three decades, JUST of DuPage provides educational, vocational and addiction recovery programs for inmates. It says it aims to help inmates re-enter society.

The inquiry uncovered text messages between Beary and sheriff's Lt. Christopher VanHoose. The report said the men's texts and emails showed they wanted to replace the sheriff's command staff.

"There are even instances where Michael Beary is recommending, if not demanding, changing sworn staff members as he sees fit," the report said.

The messages indicated that the men believed jail officials were targeting JUST.

In 2022, VanHoose was put on unpaid leave in the wake of the investigation. He left a few months later.

The inquiry's report alleged VanHoose and a deputy improperly used criminal databases, while VanHoose disparaged higher-ups in text messages to his subordinates.

Beary and VanHoose repeatedly maligned Undersheriff Eddie Moore in text messages, with Beary at least twice saying, "F– Eddie," according to the report.

At the same time, both men expressed support for Sheriff James Mendrick.

In May 2022, VanHoose informed Beary that Undersheriff Moore "is getting so involved with the gang stuff" and requires all documentation for segregating an inmate.

"So basically, Eddie is going to determine if there's a gang issue," VanHoose said. "Guess he decides if we have enough evidence. What a f–ing joke."

In the chain of texts, Beary said, "I'm not letting this go because I know what the real target is. F– Eddie."

In his Facebook post last month, Beary noted Mendrick's loss in the Republican primary for governor in March. In the same election, Sean Noonan, who has worked for several police departments, defeated Undersheriff Moore in the GOP race for sheriff.

Beary indicated Mendrick's departure meant that his work in the jail was coming to an end.

"I have invitations to go to other facilities and work in jails and prisons," Beary said. "I am exploring them with my key staff members. It's been gratifying work over the 20 years doing it."

But he said it had taken a physical toll on him. He said he could do the work for another eight years and that he was ready for the right offer.

"I could listen to my friends and take my Social Security and retire," he said. "Jails and prisons are a very harsh environment."

Patch left messages Thursday with Beary and Michael Cirolia, the sheriff's office's spokesperson.

In the last couple of years, Beary has posted photos on Facebook of himself with the sheriff and others.