CHICAGO — Ousted CeaseFire Illinois director Tio Hardiman beat his wife "like an animal", her attorney said Tuesday.
Alison Hardiman was granted a criminal order of protection Tuesday from her husband, who was put on leave from his position at the anti-violence organization.
Tio Hardiman was arrested last week on a domestic battery charge in west suburban Hillside.
Hardiman said outside the hearing Tuesday that he "did not touch" his wife. He was released on $20,000 bond from jail Sunday.
"I think my wife’s lawyer is a sinister individual because [he's] trying to pump hatred into my wife, and my wife knows that I love her," Hardiman said. "I'm not a violent guy."
Alison Hardiman's attorney, Ferdinand Serpe, said she was "pummeled," and that she "is in fear that anything may happen."
Serpe also said Alison Hardiman has suffered two heart attacks and a stroke over the past two years.
Tio Hardiman, who called his ousting from CeaseFire "bogus" and "disrespectful", said Tuesday that he would "bounce back" from the matter.
"I'll be OK. I'm a champion for the people," he said. "... I want my wife to get better. ... I'll do the best I can to revive my career. I'm a visionary. It is what it is."
CeaseFire announced Tuesday that current Cure Violence Chief Operating Officer Candice Kane will serve as the interim director for the organization. Kane has been with the organization for 10 years, according to a statement. CeaseFire is a local branch of Cure Violence.
Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said Monday that the partnership between the city and CeaseFire Illinois would continue despite the charges against Hardiman.
“The program is going to be evaluated on its success or failure and how effective it is — not this issue with Tio Hardiman, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
