East Central Reporter

Coles County, Illinois – The investigation into the financial dealings of the Oakland Fire Protection District (FPD) has raised questions about loans totaling $235,000 since 2014. These concerns emerged from police reports related to Kyley Willison, a former trustee who was convicted of crimes involving the district.

The police report revealed an outstanding line of credit amounting to $30,000 taken out on May 17, 2022. Current trustees were unaware of its purpose. This loan was signed by three individuals: Jerry Willison, awaiting trial; Kyley Willison, already convicted; and Kelsey Willison, who was not charged and claimed non-attendance at meetings despite minutes indicating her presence.

The investigation did not address who recorded these minutes. If Kelsey Willison was falsely documented as present and voting, it could constitute forgery. No questioning regarding this matter or the line of credit occurred during interviews with Jerry and Kelsey Willison.

Beyond the 2022 loan, additional loans date back to September 2014 when a $30,000 check was issued. In subsequent years—2015 through 2018—further lines of credit were established for various amounts: $75,000 in 2017 and $40,000 in 2018. However, records detailing the purpose of these loans are absent.

Although allegations suggest that part of the funds might have been used for repairs covered by insurance claims in 2022, there is no evidence showing how these funds were utilized—whether for personal use or FPD business purposes. Consequently, this sum was excluded from restitution orders by a judge.

Collateral for these loans included "all equipment," inventory items like accounts and instruments owned or acquired by the district later on.

Questions remain unanswered about whether taxpayer money funded these payments without accountability regarding expenditures' specifics. The investigating deputy has been approached with inquiries concerning this issue but has yet to respond officially.

A copy containing detailed information on obtained loan records can be accessed via FOIA requests linked below or viewed directly online.

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