East Central Reporter

Coles County, Illinois – An ongoing review of financial transactions by former Oakland Fire Protection District trustee Kyley Willison has revealed a series of questionable charges made using the district’s credit card. Willison, who is now convicted in connection with theft from the district, faces scrutiny over purchases that investigators say do not appear to relate to legitimate fire department expenses.

According to Edgar County Watchdogs, Inc., Willison used the fire department credit card for at least twenty-one separate transactions with the Central Illinois Board of Realtors between March 2020 and November 2021, totaling $2,114.95. The organization reported uncertainty about whether these payments were related to Multiple Listing Services for Willison’s real estate business or other realtor fees. The charges were categorized as “Everyday Living Expenses,” raising questions about their appropriateness.

Edgar County Watchdogs also identified ten separate payments to Todd Bacon CPA on the same credit card amounting to $2,101.00. While there is a Todd Bacon CPA based in Charleston, attempts to confirm his involvement have not been successful.

Another set of charges described as “shocking” by Edgar County Watchdogs involved ten purchases from Illini FS totaling $20,340.22. These expenditures were also listed under “Everyday Living Expenses.”

The group said it would continue reporting on further questionable expenses—including those involving Ameren Il, Pekin Insurance, and Grinnell Mutual—in future articles.

“For those who are not familiar with the massive theft that took place at the Oakland Fire Protection District by Kyley Willison, now convicted, and allegedly his father, you can read numerous prior articles on the matter at this link.  You can also read a copy of his 13-line apology letter at this link,” stated Edgar County Watchdogs.

“As we continue our review of purchases made by the now-convicted former Oakland Fire Protection District trustee Kyley Willison, the volume and magnitude of his actions are, frankly, overwhelming.  The deeper we dive, the more questions we have as to why this man is not spending 1 day in jail. To date, none of our questions to the State’s Attorney have been answered,” Edgar County Watchdogs said.