Two charged in rape of Momence bartender

MOMENCE, Ill. (WLS) -- Two men in Momence, Ill., have been arrested and charged after a bartender reported to police she had been raped in the bathroom during her shift.

John Harrison, 39, and Thomas Madison, 45, both of Momence, are charged with one felony count of criminal sexual assault and one count unlawful restraint each. They are being held in Jerome Combs Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

Momence police say both Harrison and Madison have "personal and professional affiliations with members of the Momence Police Department," and requested outside assistance. The Manteno Police Department will lead the investigation due to the connection to the local department.

Momence police say they received the report around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. The 38-year-old victim told officers that while working as a bartender, two male customers sexually assaulted her in the business restroom. The victim was taken to the hospital for evaluation, police said. Police also said she identified both men involved in the assault.

"I think it's a total, total lie. I've known him for years and years and he's an upstanding citizen, and he's been nothing good - nothing but good for our community," Madison's friend Pat said.

Until earlier this year, Madison served as the school board's president.

"He has a fine wife and a beautiful family and he's had the same job for the last 30 years," Madison's friend Pat said.

Police said they were able to collect physical evidence as well as identify witnesses in their investigation.

The families of both men declined to comment on the rape allegations.