East Central Reporter

An investigation is underway in Douglas County concerning the residency of the Murdock Township Road District Highway Commissioner. Information was submitted to Douglas County State’s Attorney Robert Kosic regarding allegations that the commissioner does not reside within the district for which he was elected.

The Edgar County Watchdogs reported that they requested a formal law enforcement investigation into the matter. According to State’s Attorney Kosic, “This matter was submitted to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and is presently under investigation. The investigation is ongoing and is not yet complete. When the Sheriff’s Office does complete their investigation, my office will receive that report and will evaluate what the appropriate next steps will be given the findings from that investigation.”

The Edgar County Watchdogs allege that the highway commissioner claims an owner-occupied tax exemption on a residence in Coles County, where he has confirmed his residence, while his voter registration lists an address in Murdock, Illinois, which reportedly does not correspond to any actual parcel.

According to state law, if a township official moves out of their district, their office becomes vacant. The organization states that all indications are that this may apply in this case.

Further updates are expected once the sheriff's criminal investigation concludes and a report becomes available.