Waukegan city clerk charged with official misconduct, misuse of funds

Alonzo Small
·2 min read

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — A Waukegan city clerk is charged with felony official misconduct and misapplication of funds, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Janet Kilkelly was named in a 15-count indictment Wednesday where prosecutors allege she illegally provided credits to city businesses applying for liquor and gambling licenses.

Despite approved language that the credit would only go to businesses in ‘good standing,’ prosecutors say Kilkelly gave thousands to area businesses that did not qualify for financial assistance.

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Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor called the indictment ‘disappointing:’

I’m disappointed to learn that Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly has been indicted on more than a dozen serious felony charges related to her duties as City Clerk.

While I firmly believe in our justice system and due process, as mayor, I also know that having a multi-count felony indictment is a considerable distraction to the duties of the clerk’s office and incompatible with the best interests of Waukegan’s residents and businesses. It is my hope that Clerk Kilkelly puts the interests of Waukeganites first.

I will confer and work with the City Council to determine if any actions need to be taken by the City to ensure that the duties of the clerk’s office continue to be performed and the public-facing services of that office continue to be provided to Waukegan residents.”

Full statement from Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor

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Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said public officials must be held to higher standards.

“Taxpayers lost a significant amount of revenue,” he added. “The City Clerk violated the public trust when she ignored her own recommendation and the final decision of the Waukegan City Council.”

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Kilkelly was charged following testimony from an Illinois State Police special agent. She is due back in court on Tuesday, April 2.

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