East Central Reporter

Jerseyville, Ill. – In recent developments from Jersey County, Kattie Abbey, the county's treasurer, has been formally charged with Class 2 Felony Theft. The charges were filed on May 2, 2025, in the Jersey County Circuit Court and pertain to allegations of misappropriating public funds ranging between $10,000 and $100,000.

The investigation into Abbey's financial activities was initially reported in January. An Attorney General Fraud Examination Report was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Madison County Public Corruption Task Force. This report concluded that "the findings detail financial losses in the amount of $55,966.47 incurred by Jersey County from money taken by unlawful and/or deceptive means."

Furthermore, it was noted that indirect costs such as "the Treasurer’s salary while on extended leave," among other expenses related to the investigation and management of the office during her absence, might constitute additional losses not included in this specific report.

Court records also reveal that Abbey filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy earlier this year. Her tenure as treasurer ended on March 7, 2025. Records indicate she faced foreclosure on her home and reported losing approximately $70,000 at casinos in 2024.

It is important to remember that "all people are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."