Law and Order in Hancock County – LaHarpe Mayor Charged with Official Misconduct

Hancock Co. (ECWd) –

We first reported on the alleged violation of law by the LaHarpe Mayor when he used public equipment and personnel for personal gain on his property in this article, published November 11, 2016.  After that article, we attended a village meeting and expressed our opinion on the actions of the Mayor and it was during that meeting additional evidence of the alleged crime had been discovered, a “donation” check from the Mayor for use of the city Backhoe  We wrote about that in this article.  I specifically addressed the use of public funds, property, and credit for personal gain and that such an action constituted Official Misconduct.

We are excited to see the Hancock County State’s Attorney has once again stepped up to the plate and has charged the LaHarpe Mayor with Official Misconduct, as reported by the Hancock County Journal-Pilot.

The Journal-Pilot reported that the alleged violation was on November 11th, 2016.  That was the same day we published our article exposing the alleged crime. Additional LaHarpe articles can be reviewed at this link.

What is important in this chain of events is how ONE citizen who pays attention is able to provide key information so that it could be validated and exposed in a public venue.  We encouraged them to file a criminal complaint and from what we understand, that happened and now we see the next step being taken by the proper authorities.

This is a textbook case of how things are supposed to work when alleged crimes are witnessed, documented and turned into the proper authorities to investigate.  We only wish more State’s Attorneys would pay attention to these type of complaints as they are not lacking in the State of Illinois.

Our hats off to the Hancock County State’s Attorney for doing his job.

Please consider a donation to the Edgar County Watchdogs.
[wp_eStore_donate id=1]