CHICAGO — Tio Hardiman, the former director of CeaseFire Illinois, says he still loves his wife and is devastated by reports that she filed divorce papers after he was arrested on a domestic battery charge last month.
"I'm devastated by that news," Hardiman said Wednesday night. "I still love my wife. It's a tough moment in my life."
The Chicago Tribune reported that Alison Hardiman, 47, filed a petition Tuesday in the Cook County Court Domestic Relations Division saying the relationship suffered from "extreme and repeated mental cruelty."
Tio Hardiman, 50, was arrested May 31 at their suburban Hillside home. He was accused of punching and kicking his wife.
Tio Hardiman said he hasn't seen the divorce documents himself.
Hardiman maintained his innocence and said he has not seen his wife outside of court due to a protection order.
CeaseFire, an anti-violence organization that is considered a partner of the Chicago Police Department, opted not to renew his contract following the arrest.
