East Central Reporter

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has brought charges against Jacalyn Walker, a former employee of the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office, for allegedly embezzling funds from the drug asset forfeiture account. Walker, aged 35 and a resident of Carlinville, stands accused of transferring several thousand dollars to her personal account during her tenure as office manager.

Charges against Walker include one count of theft of government property, a Class 2 felony, and multiple counts of wire fraud and official misconduct, which are Class 3 felonies. While the Class 2 felony carries a potential prison sentence of up to seven years, the Class 3 felonies can result in up to five years in prison. Sentencing, which is concurrent, will be determined by the court at a later date. Her next court appearance is scheduled for May 13.

Raoul has emphasized the importance of safeguarding public funds, particularly those meant for drug enforcement activities. “My office regularly partners with state’s attorneys around Illinois to protect residents from individuals who prey upon children, traffic drugs and guns, and so much more. It is unacceptable that someone would take advantage of their position to steal funding recovered as state’s attorneys protect communities from illicit drugs,” he stated. He also noted, “Drug asset forfeiture funds are intended to support critical drug enforcement activities, not to line the pockets of government workers. I will continue to work with local law enforcement and prosecutors to hold bad actors accountable for violating the trust of people they serve.”

The charges come after an investigation by the Illinois State Police Division of Special Investigations. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly remarked, “During our investigation, the ISP Special Investigations Unit found evidence of a public official trying to steal thousands of dollars from the county. The public must be able to trust their public funds are safe and used as intended. ISP will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office to investigate cases of theft and official misconduct.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Mara Somlo from Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau, following the investigative findings. It is important to note that Walker is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Walker is alleged to have executed unauthorized transactions totaling $7,000 from the state’s fund into her personal account between November 2023 and May 2024.