East Central Reporter

On January 17, 2025, additional information was sent to the Illinois Attorney General’s Opinions Bureau regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Austin Prichard, who serves as both a Shelby County Board Member and the Dive Team Commander. This inquiry originated from Shelby County State’s Attorney Ruth Woolery, who requested an opinion on whether these dual roles present an impermissible conflict.

The email accompanying the new information emphasized the need for comprehensive data: “Please forward this communication to the attorney(s) working on the opinion requested from Shelby County State’s Attorney Ruth Woolery dated October 10, 2024... The attached pdf contains additional information not provided... My interest is only that the Opinions Bureau have all the information necessary for it to issue an appropriate opinion.”

Woolery's request posed a specific question: “Is it a conflict of interest for the commander of a volunteer dive rescue team... to also be an elected member of the county board?” This inquiry followed Prichard's reinstatement as Dive Team Commander in April 2024 and his election to the County Board in December 2024.

The supplementary details provided to the AG's office highlighted several points concerning Prichard's dual responsibilities. It noted his involvement in budgetary decisions affecting his role as Dive Team Commander and participation in meetings where funding for the dive team was discussed. Notably, Prichard voted "present" on equipment purchases related to his department head position.

According to resolutions establishing and governing the Dive Team, several functions place Prichard in positions where he may have conflicting interests. These include policy approval by the County Board and financial oversight roles that could affect both his capacities as a board member and department head.

The submission concludes with expectations that while direct reliance on their account is unnecessary, thorough investigation by AG’s Opinions Bureau should occur: “While we do not expect [them] to take our word for it, we do expect them to research... ask Shelby County for more information...”