East Central Reporter

Julie A. Bliss, the former Boone County Clerk, was sentenced today following her arrest in late 2023 and a subsequent indictment on 26 felony counts. Bliss resigned from her position at the end of July 2025 and entered a negotiated guilty plea last month to three charges: one count of theft involving between $500 and $10,000 from the government, and two counts of official misconduct.

During court proceedings in Boone County, Bliss appeared with her attorney, Noble. The State was represented by Assistant Attorney General Bookhout. According to the docket entry, "Case called in Courtroom 4 in Boone County. All parties present in-person. Def ps for plea w/ Atty Noble. AAG Bookhout ps for the St. Pursuant to agreement, Def enters written PG to 23CF256 Counts 1, 22 & 26."

The court confirmed that Bliss was advised of the charges against her, her rights, potential penalties, deportation issues, and other consequences. "Def is advised of charges, rights, possible penalties, deportation and collateral consequences. A factual statement is presented. Def stipulates to the facts and Court finds a factual basis for the plea. Court finds Def’s waiver of trial and guilty plea have been knowingly and voluntarily given." Both parties agreed to waive a presentence investigation.

Bliss received concurrent sentences: on Count 1 (theft), she was placed on 48 months probation; on Counts 22 and 26 (official misconduct), she received 30 months probation each as detailed in the Sentencing Order. "On 23CF256 Count 1, a judgment of conviction is entered and Def is placed on 48 months Probation as set out in the Sentencing Order. On 23CF256 Counts

22 & 26, a judgment of conviction is entered and Def is placed on 30 months Probation as set out in the Sentencing Order.

The sentences imposed on Counts 1, 22 & 26 are to be served concurrently with each other."

Financial penalties were also imposed including fines and restitution totaling $30,213.05 after application of a $900 bond payment.

The case will return to court for a status update on restitution payments scheduled for October 23, 2025.

In addition to probation and financial penalties described in court records—including an order that dismissed all other counts per plea agreement—there are reports indicating that Bliss was sentenced to jail time as well: “she was given 180 days jail time in Boone County Jail. However, Bliss was given 1 day credit for each day served. Bliss already had 1 day credit. Bliss will only serve a total of 89 days in jail. Bliss was escorted out of the courtroom and taken into custody this afternoon.” This discrepancy may explain why docket notes stated: “Def is remanded instanter to begin her sentence.”

Bliss retains rights to appeal as outlined by the court.