Attorneys: Hardiman's Wife Was ‘Beaten Like an Animal'

CeaseFire leader loses job with organization following domestic battery charge

A judge Tuesday granted an order of protection to the leader of an anti-violence group's wife after he allegedly became violent with her.

"She is in fear," said Ferdinand Serpe, who is representing the wife of Tio Hardiman. "In her words she was beaten like an animal."

A judge also granted a no contact order and gave Hardiman's wife full possession of their home.

Hillside Police Chief Joseph Lukaszek said Hardiman was arrested Friday after his wife came to the police station and "presented injuries."

Prosecutors have alleged the argument was sparked by "family matters" and that Hardiman's wife was struck in the head, back, neck, face and torso.

Prosecutors also claim his wife is a heart attack patient and has had two strokes and one heart attack in the last two years, including a stroke last month and that Hardiman was aware of that "when he pummeled her."

Serpe said she is experiencing numbness on her right side as a result of her injuries and was going to the doctor Tuesday.

Hardiman denies these allegations.

"I did not touch my wife," he said. "I've been with my wife 13 years and I didn't just wake up one day overnight and say let me beat up my wife."

Hardiman, who was the head of CeaseFire Illinois, was placed on administrative leave following his arrest last Friday. The organization announced Monday that Hardiman's contract would not be renewed after the end of the month.

"I feel shipwrecked and abandoned by CeaseFire," he said.

"I would love to reconcile with my wife, I want to make that clear," Hardiman said. "I have no ill intent with my wife."

Serpe said Tuesday the possibility of filing for divorce is "under consideration."
 

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