Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss for the alleged theft of cash from the county and misuse of county funds on personal expenses.
Raoul’s office filed a 26-count indictment against Bliss, 53, of Belvidere, Illinois, in Boone County Circuit court on Thursday. 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; and five counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud, each punishable by up to five years in prison.
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.
“Elected officials have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly,” Raoul said. “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.”
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.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) led the investigation into Bliss’ alleged misconduct.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorneys General Haley Bookhout and Mara Somlo are prosecuting the case for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau.
