Boone County Clerk now on administrative leave

Rockford Register Star

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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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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.