FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces on July 14, 2026, that following a two-day jury trial, a McHenry County jury found Duane Kimmey, 65, a veterinarian from Cary, Illinois, guilty of two counts of Battery for inappropriately touching a subordinate employee on two separate occasions. Kimmey must appear next for a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 23, 2026.
The evidence presented at trial established that Kimmey intentionally struck and touched the victim on the buttocks during two separate incidents occurring in May and June of 2023, while the victim was employed under his supervision at a veterinary practice.
During the trial, the victim testified in detail about both incidents. Although more than three years have passed since the offenses occurred, she consistently recounted the events and remained steadfast under cross-examination. The victim explained that she initially delayed reporting the incidents for approximately two months, ultimately coming forward only after the behavior escalated. She first reported the conduct to the office manager, later to the owners of the veterinary practice, and subsequently to the Cary Police Department.
The jury also heard testimony that, after the allegations were reported, Kimmey admitted to his employers that he had touched the victim. During his testimony at trial, Kimmey acknowledged that he intentionally touched the victim on both occasions, admitted the conduct was inappropriate, and conceded that the victim had never given him verbal consent to do so.
The defense argued that the victim welcomed or invited Kimmey’s conduct. After hearing all the evidence and testimony, the jury rejected that claim and returned guilty verdicts on two counts of Battery.
State’s Attorney Randi Freese stated:
“This verdict reinforces that every employee has the right to a workplace free from unwanted physical contact and harassment, regardless of their position or relationship to a supervisor. More than anything, we commend the victim for finding the courage to come forward and testify about these deeply personal incidents. Today’s verdict demonstrates that a victim’s credibility is determined by the evidence—not by when they are able to report the abuse.”
The case was successfully prosecuted at trial by Assistant State’s Attorneys Cody Weigand and Henry Sugden, Jr.
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