Coles Co. (ECWd) –
After almost a month, we have obtained the first set of records we requested in a Freedom of Information Act request to the Coles County State’s Attorney. We have no idea why our request took so long, but we have been assured the records are coming, to include video interviews, bank records, etc. This article only covers the police reports, which are sufficient to eliminate the need for medication to increase blood pressure.
We encourage everyone to read the police reports documenting the admitted criminal conduct of Kyle Willison, former Oakland Fire Protection District trustee.
The inconsistencies in his statements from the early stages of the investigation to the later stages are most telling, as are the lies.
Why did he steal from the public?
“He explained that he had lost his job as he worked for Diamond Brothers Insurance as an Insurance Agent, and that due to COVID, that his and his father’s positions with that company were no longer needed. He stated that his pride got in the way and he was afraid to ask anyone for help, so he started using the card.”
Oh really, you stole from the public because you lost your job and let your “pride” get in the way? What was uncovered in the investigation?
“Diamond Bros. acquisition of Willison Insurance Agency: August 1. 2015
Employment start date for both Jerry and Kytey Willison: August 1. 2015
Separation date for both Jerry and Kytey Willison: July 31, 2020″
“This information is pertinent due to Mr. Willison stating that one of the reasons for using the credit cards and OFPD funds is because he and his father lost their jobs with Dimond Bros. Insurance. Records show that the fraudulent use of the funds started several years before they were separated from Dimond Bros. Insurance.”
He knew he was in trouble the second he received our Freedom of Information Act request.
“At the beginning of the interview. He stated that this came about because they got a FOIA request from the Edgar County Watchdogs wanting the information and he knew that he would get caught and that he needed to come forward”.
Two interviews, two different positions.
“The new information reveals that Mr. Willison was being deceptive during his initial interview with me”
“He did state that he has had the card for about five or six years”.
“Mr. Willison stated that he had this card for 8-9, maybe even ten years.”
After knowing he was caught, he still couldn’t tell the truth.
“He stated that he would pay normal day-to-day bills with it, fill the gas tanks. everyday living expenses and he would then use the Fire Department’s money to pay off the card.”
Every day living expenses? How are airline tickets for your wife and father an everyday living expense? Cubs Tickets? Cardinals Tickets? Florida Trips? Myrtle Beach, NC?
We wonder why he never faced felony record destruction charges.
“he did not currently have the card as he had destroyed it, and that he had also destroyed some of the statements that were mailed as well.”
More inconsistencies:
“During this conversation, Mr. Willison admitted to using an Oakland Fire Protection District (OFPD) credit card that included his name on the card for personal use to around $56,000. Our proceeding Investigation leads to a much higher amount.”
“Both credit cards were used for fraudulent purchases in the amount of approximately: $174,006.74
OFPD funds sent to the credit card company for payoff was approximately. $196,311.56.”
There is more:
“It was found that the trustees had received payments to themselves and that some checks were written for cash.”
“It was also learned that several items such as fertilizer, fuel, agricultural supplies, and equipment were purchased for either Knorton Knolls Golf Course or Big Orange Hemp Farms, which is known that Kyley and Jerry Willison own both. The Coles County GIS portal shows Kyley and Jerry as the owners of the Knorton Knolls golf course property.”
“The total that Mr. Willison highlighted and claimed to be legitimate purchases from 02/20/2021 to 08/19/2022 is $15,706.90. However, it has been proven that several of the credit card purchases that Mr. Willison highlighted were in fact, not legitimate.
“Invoices show that all of the fuel purchased with the OFPD credit card was delivered to Knorton Knolls Golf Course. As mentioned earlier in this report, Knorton Knolls Golf Course is owned by Kyley and Jerry Willison.”
“Additionally, the transactions show that the card was also used to fund items for the Big Orange Hemp Farms LLC Business.”
“The total amount of non-leg1bmate expenditures for card number XXX is $146 .646.00
The total amount of non-legitimate expenditures for card number XXX is $27,360.74
The total amount of non-legitimate purchases for both credit cards is $174,006.74.”
“Granite Countertops”
As if all the above is not bad enough, he even lied and created minutes for meetings that never took place!
“Mr. Willison did stated that they got laxed on having meetings because they spent a lot of hours at the golf course. He stated that they did report having meetings that did not happen”
If you need a blood pressure boost, read the reports that can be downloaded at this link or viewed below.
Coles County Sheriff’s Report Redacted (002)
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