35 - Status hearing
01/23/2025
10:00 A.M.
Judge PACCAGNINI
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
Boone County Clerk arrested on theft of public funds
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.
Posted by bill pysson at 6:36 PM No comments: 
Friday, October 13, 2023
Boone County Clerk faces 100 year prison sentence if convicted
Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges
Story by Rockford Register Star •2h
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss after she was accused of stealing funds from the county for personal expenses.
Raoul's office filed a 26-count indictment against Bliss, 53, of Belvidere.
The indictment alleges that, while serving as county clerk and recorder, Bliss stole money from the county and used a Boone County credit card to pay for personal expenses, including purchasing groceries and tires for her personal vehicle and paying off personal debt.
“Elected officials have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly,” Raoul said in a news release. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf will use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves.”
Here's a look at the charges Bliss faces:
- One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property, each punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- One count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property by deception, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Three counts of Class 2 felony theft of governmental property by deception, each punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Five counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud, each punishable by up to five years in prison.
Recommended video: Rockford man wanted on charges of burglary, forgery (WQRF Rockford)Loaded: 100.00%
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In addition, Bliss faces 13 counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct, each punishable by up to five years in prison. These misconduct charges are related to her alleged acts of theft and wire fraud.
Illinois State Police began investigating Bliss for her alleged misconduct in April 2023 after an employee with the county clerk's office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.
Bliss was placed on administrative leave last month.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges
Above is from: Rockford-area official faces more than 100 years in prison on several charges (msn.com)
Posted by bill pysson at 2:53 PM No comments:
Monday, September 11, 2023
Boone County Clerk now on administrative leave
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Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges
Story by Rockford Register Star •5h
The Boone County Clerk's office will host a coin flip Friday afternoon to determine the winner of the primary election for Alderman of Ward 2.© PHOTO PROVIDED
A Boone County official has been placed on administrative leave after she allegedly stole from the government.
Julie Bliss, the county clerk and recorder, was charged with theft of government property and official misconduct last month.
More: Rockford-area official arrested, charged with theft of government property
An investigation into Bliss began in April 2023 after an employee with the county clerk's office reported irregularities that she had discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts.
Related video: Illinois county clerk arrested, charged with theft of government property (WQRF Rockford)
ISP started investigating using an outside accounting firm,
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Illinois county clerk arrested, charged with theft of government property
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Bliss was arrested and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The county has hired Sikich, LLP, an accounting firm, to assist the Illinois State Police in the investigation.
Bliss entered an agreement with the county on Sept. 5 to go on administrative leave.**
Theft of government property is a Class 2 felony while official misconduct is a Class 3 felony. Bliss faces up to 12 years in prison on the charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges
Above is from: Rockford-area official placed on administrative leave following theft, misconduct charges (msn.com)
** BASEDS ON CHANNEL 13 NEWS this is paid administrative leave.
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