East Central Reporter

Katie Abbey, a former Jersey County Treasurer, has pleaded guilty to felony theft. She admitted to stealing more than $50,000 in 2024 by deception for personal gain from Jersey County bank accounts while serving as treasurer.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office prosecuted Abbey, who is 37 and from Jerseyville, Illinois. She pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft by deception. Chief Judge Daniel Wright of the Sangamon County Circuit Court sentenced her to pay $58,453.76 in restitution and serve 45 days of home confinement along with 30 months of felony probation.

"Public servants are entrusted with resources that allow them to fulfill their responsibilities on behalf of the taxpayers they serve, which is why they must be held to a higher standard," Raoul stated. "It is an egregious violation of the public’s trust when any elected official takes advantage of this responsibility for their own personal gain. My office is committed to ensuring these individuals are held accountable."

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Special Investigations Unit discovered evidence that Abbey falsified cash slips and checks drawn from Jersey County bank accounts managed by the Treasurer’s office. This manipulation falsely indicated lower amounts of tax and other revenue paid by county citizens, allowing Abbey to use the money for personal benefit.

“ISP’s Special Investigations Unit will fully investigate allegations of criminal misconduct by public officials to protect the public trust,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.

The case was referred to Attorney General Raoul's office by the Jersey County State’s Attorney’s office and was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jonas Harger for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau.