East Central Reporter

After nearly a month of waiting, records from a Freedom of Information Act request to the Coles County State’s Attorney have been obtained. These records include police reports documenting the admitted criminal conduct of Kyle Willison, a former trustee of the Oakland Fire Protection District.

The investigation revealed inconsistencies in Willison's statements and lies about his misuse of public funds. When asked why he stole from the public, Willison stated, "He explained that he had lost his job as he worked for Diamond Brothers Insurance as an Insurance Agent, and that due to COVID, that his and his father’s positions with that company were no longer needed. He stated that his pride got in the way and he was afraid to ask anyone for help, so he started using the card."

However, records indicate otherwise: "Diamond Bros. acquisition of Willison Insurance Agency: August 1. 2015 Employment start date for both Jerry and Kytey Willison: August 1. 2015 Separation date for both Jerry and Kytey Willison: July 31, 2020." The fraudulent use of funds began years before their separation from Diamond Bros. Insurance.

Willison acknowledged knowing he was in trouble after receiving the FOIA request: "At the beginning of the interview. He stated that this came about because they got a FOIA request from the Edgar County Watchdogs wanting the information and he knew that he would get caught and that he needed to come forward."

During interviews, Willison provided conflicting information regarding how long he possessed a credit card used for personal expenses: “The new information reveals that Mr. Willison was being deceptive during his initial interview with me” and “Mr. Willison stated that he had this card for 8-9, maybe even ten years.”

Despite acknowledging wrongdoing, Willison continued to lie about using district funds for personal expenses such as airline tickets and sports event tickets.

Questions remain about why felony record destruction charges were not pursued against him after admitting to destroying financial documents: “he did not currently have the card as he had destroyed it, and that he had also destroyed some of the statements that were mailed as well.”

Further investigations uncovered more fraudulent activities involving OFPD credit cards amounting to $174,006.74 while OFPD funds sent to pay off these purchases totaled approximately $196,311.56.

Additional revelations included payments made by trustees to themselves and purchases related to properties owned by Kyley and Jerry Willison such as Knorton Knolls Golf Course or Big Orange Hemp Farms.

Invoices confirmed misuse of district funds: “Invoices show that all of the fuel purchased with the OFPD credit card was delivered to Knorton Knolls Golf Course.” The total non-legitimate expenditures amounted significantly across multiple transactions.

Moreover, it was discovered meeting minutes were fabricated by Mr. Willison who admitted they falsely reported meetings due largely spending time at their golf course property instead.

The full extent is detailed within downloadable reports linked below offering comprehensive insight into these proceedings.

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