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March 28, 2024

18 Felony Criminal Charges Filed Against Former Oakland Fire Protection District Trustees, Kiley and Jerry Willison

By Kirk Allen & John Kraft

On March 17, 2023

Coles Co. (ECWd) –

Coles County State’s Attorney Jessie Danley filed criminal charges today against former Oakland Fire Protection District Trustee Kiley Willison and Jerry Willison, the father of Kiley.

Kiley was charged with 11 Felony counts consisting of 9 counts of Official Misconduct which are Class 3 Felonies, 1 count of theft over $100,000.00 which is a Class 1 Felony and 1 count of intent to defraud that was connected to the improper use of a credit card which is a Class 4 Felony.  We understand Kiley’s Bond was set at $50,000.00 and that he turned himself in today.

Jerry was charged with 7 felony counts.  Six counts of Official Misconduct which are Class 3 felonies for creating records for meetings that never took place and 1 Count of Official Misconduct tied to signing a check for $7,500.00 payable to his son.  A zero-bond warrant was issued for his father, Jerry Willison.

We first exposed questionable credit card expenditures in this article which is what led to the criminal investigation.

***All Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law***

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8 Comments
  • Cody Heer
    Posted at 18:10h, 17 March

    Wow, more great watchdog work!

    Congratulations!!!

  • Cody Heer
    Posted at 18:14h, 17 March

    Seems to me these potential thieves might not be as emboldened, if they knew they not only would be audited, but if auditors were required to know what purchases; were not allowed by law I.e. $8,000 worth of fireworks!

  • Droopy: Master Sergeant
    Posted at 20:22h, 17 March

    When public officials are wrong and thieves they should be called out. People who support them expose themselves and cause others to question them. Matt Lane?? It is NOT ok for tax dollars to be used or stolen from taxpayers!!!

  • Cindy
    Posted at 06:32h, 18 March

    Which just brings up the MIllers again and their dynasty that was never brought to justice because the state’s attorney took a pass. Congratulations to the “good” people that took a stand against evil in this case.

    • Droopy: Master Sergeant
      Posted at 08:23h, 18 March

      Sadly most, not all, state’s attorneys are blind to the law when it comes to doing their job and prosecuting corrupt public officials.

  • John Stewart
    Posted at 18:08h, 18 March

    “Hey dad. Let’s both wear our purple hoodies to jail. We will look so cool!”

    • NMWTLS
      Posted at 08:54h, 19 March

      Hahahahaha!

  • Brian K Anderson
    Posted at 10:01h, 19 March

    I commend States Attorney offices that are holding these emboldened criminals accountable for using their positions for personal gain. It’s time to quit turning a blind eye to elected officials at every level who believe it is their right to use taxpayer money and assets as if it is their own. Regardless of the amount, anyone who commits malfeasance should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Perhaps this would discourage others from considering or executing similar crimes. As constituents of elected officials, we all have the right and duty to participate in our government, ask questions, and hold each and every one of them accountable for their actions. I am also encouraged to see the Illinois Attorney General’s and Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit taking malfeasance seriously even though States Attorney offices do not want to prosecute illegal activities of officials in their own county. Keep up the good work and thanks to ECWD for making this information available to the public.

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