DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that Michael P. Cardamone, who is currently on bond for allegations of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and Predatory Criminal Sexual Abuse while employed at the American Institute of Gymnastics in Aurora, was charged today with one (1) count of Harassment of a Witness and one (1) count of Disorderly Conduct (false police report). A warrant for Cardamone’s arrest was approved by Judge Michael Burke, with a $500,000 bail.

It is alleged that on July 7, 2004, following a court appearance at the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton, the defendant made a false 9-1-1 report of traffic infractions of a witness and family member of a child witness in the pending Cardamone prosecution. The false report resulted in a DUI stop by an Aurora Police Officer, which caused mental anguish and emotional distress for the witness.

This afternoon, State’s Attorney Birkett approved charges against Cardamone, 27, including Harassment of a Witness, a Class 2 felony, and Disorderly Conduct, a Class 4 felony. If these new charges against him result in a conviction, the defendant will face up to seven (7) years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, which must be served consecutive to any sentence on his pending charges in the event of any convictions.

"Harassment and/or intimidation of witnesses will not be tolerated," said State’s Attorney Birkett. 

State’s Attorney Birkett praised the Aurora Police Officer who conducted the traffic stop. The officer quickly determined that Cardamone’s report was baseless, and then preserved the tape of the 9-1-1 call.

A court date on this case will be set for Cardamone following his arrest on these additional charges.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.