Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss faces theft, misconduct charges
https://www.wifr.com/2023/08/31/boone-county-clerk-julie-bliss-faces-theft-misconduct-charges/
Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss, 53, was arrested on August 31, 2023.(23 WIFR)
Published: Aug. 31, 2023 at 4:49 PM CDT|Updated: 2 hours ago
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BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss, 53, was arrested Thursday following an investigation by Illinois State Police.
Bliss is charged with theft of government property and official misconduct.
The charges come after a months-long investigation.
According to a news release from Boone County, an employee in the clerk’s office reported “irregularities” in two of the office’s bank accounts. The release says the information was presented to leaders in April.
Boone County officials called the Illinois State Police and contracted accounting firm Silkich, LLP, to assist in the investigation.
In a statement to the media, the county said “the misuse of public funds is an abuse of power and a violation of the public trust that will not be tolerated. The Boone County Board and Boone County Administration are fully committed to cooperating with the Illinois State Police and with Sikich, LLP, in order to provide the public with a full, accurate, and transparent accounting of the outcome of this investigation, and to restore the public’s trust in our County officials.”
If convicted, Bliss could face more than 10 years in prison, however county leaders say both charges could also carry sentences of probation only.
This story is developing and will be updated as information is confirmed.
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Above is from: https://www.wifr.com/2023/08/31/boone-county-clerk-julie-bliss-faces-theft-misconduct-charges/
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Boone County Clerk and Recorder Arrested on theft of government property
- Ethan Wiles
- Aug 31, 2023 Updated 1 hr ago
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In April of 2023, an employee of the Boone County Clerk’s Office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.
BELVIDERE — Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss was arrested on Thursday according to a press release from Boone County Board Chairman Rodney Riley.
The release states Bliss, 53, of Belvidere, was arrested on one count of Theft of Government Property, a class 2 felony, and one count of Official Misconduct, a class 3 felony.
In April of 2023, an employee of the Boone County Clerk’s Office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.
Upon receiving that report, Boone County officials immediately notified the Illinois State Police, and took appropriate steps to ensure fiscal oversight of the Clerk’s office during the course of the investigation.
Additionally, the County contracted with Sikich, LLP, an accounting firm, to assist the Illinois State Police in the investigation, and to make recommendations with respect to ensuring the future fiscal integrity of the Boone County Clerk’s Office.
The release also states that The Boone County Board and Boone County Administration are fully committed to cooperating with the Illinois State Police and with Sikich, LLP, in order to provide the public with a full, accurate, and transparent accounting of the outcome of this investigation, and to restore the public’s trust in their County officials.
A class 2 felony is punishable by 3 to 7 years in the Department of Corrections.
A class 3 felony is punishable by 2 to 5 years in the Department of Corrections.
Although the maximum penalty for each charge is a prison sentence, both charges are also eligible for probation pursuant to Illinois statute.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
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