Former State’s Atty Nichole Kroncke Used County Email/Address For Freelancer Work With Chicago Tribune –

Shelby Co., Ill. (ECWd) –

Former Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kroncke used public resources for private gain while in office as State’s Attorney.

Edit for clarity 8-16-2024 @ 1923 hrs:  The term “private gain” was used not to imply any specific financial gain, because we did mention the agreement did not specify any dollar amount but did reference compensation (see Section 7 of the signed agreement). “Gain” could alternatively include having a piece published, with writer’s name associated with a published piece in a prestigious newspaper such as the Chicago Tribune. More on this in an upcoming article.

On March 22, 2022, Kroncke signed a “Freelancer Agreement” with the Chicago Tribune, acting as her own independent business / independent contractor to the Chicago Tribune while using the physical mailing address of the Shelby County Courthouse and her official State’s Attorney Email address.

Although this agreement did provide for payment to Kroncke, the exact amount was not disclosed under this agreement.

It is sad situation when those responsible for prosecuting misuse of public funds, property, and credit are the same ones misusing those public properties.

Contract below: