ILLINOIS (ECWd) –
For Immediate Release: Contact:
March 11, 2024 [email protected]
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CHARGES FORMER TOLONO PARK DISTRICT DIRECTOR WITH THEFT, OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Champaign County man, and former director for the Tolono Park District, with allegedly using the Tolono Park District credit card, bank account and rebate coupons worth approximately $25,000 for personal use.
Raoul’s office charged Randall Grace, 63, of Tolono, with one count of theft of government property, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison; three additional counts of theft of government property, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison; four counts of official misconduct, Class 3 felonies each punishable by up to five years in prison; and one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court and can run concurrently. Grace’s next court date is April 3.
“Anyone who abuses their position of authority for their own financial gain must be held accountable,” Raoul said. “I would like to thank the Illinois State Police for their assistance in investigating this case. My office will continue to collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate financial crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Raoul’s office alleges that from January 2015 to November 2021, there were multiple incidents when Grace used or authorized the use of the Tolono Park District credit card, bank accounts and Menards rebate coupons to make personal purchases of items and services intended for private use. Raoul’s office also alleges Grace made these purchases knowing they were not valid Tolono Park District expenses.
Raoul’s office investigated this case with the Illinois State Police.
“Through interviews, purchase documentation review, and other investigative procedures, the ISP Special Investigations Unit identified alleged patterns of abuse and the mishandling of funds by the former Tolono Park District Director,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The public must be able to trust that those who work in public service will use our tax dollars as intended. ISP will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office to root out theft and misconduct.”
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorney General Haley Bookhout for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau and Assistant Attorney General Tim Nimrod are prosecuting the case.
4 Comments
Waterman
Posted at 22:55h, 11 MarchWhy don’t they prosecute the Mahomet Township Road Commissioner?
Brian K Anderson
Posted at 08:22h, 12 MarchGreat question Waterman!!! Based upon my correspondence with the AG’s office, they did not have enough investigative information to successfully prosecute the case. When the ISP report contains a statement of the road commissioner that he uses township employees simultaneously while they are being paid with taxpayer money, what more do they need? The AG rep stated that witnesses could simply plead the 5th amendment and that would be the end of their case. Really? It’s that easy to avoid prosecution when it’s captured in black and white? Why didn’t ISP require Doenitz’ farm payroll records? Why didn’t ISP contact Metal Culverts to review records of Doenitz personal culvert business? As I have stated in response to other ECWD articles, the Tolono matter is a drop in the bucket compared to Mahomet Township. Way too many questions left unanswered in my opinion.
Chad coit
Posted at 07:29h, 12 MarchThis is nothing compared to Mahomet Township and what has be happening for over 20 years, yet ISPD and the AG do nothing
Droopy: Master Sergeant
Posted at 14:59h, 17 MarchTurned a blind eye in Shelby county. AG is full of political bias and cronyism. Mr. Grace must not be vey politically connected. Must be a Republican.