Jackie Traynere, a Will County Board member, was found guilty on March 9 of two counts of computer tampering. The charges stem from an incident in 2024 in which Traynere unlawfully accessed the email account of another board member, forwarded one of the emails to a third party, and then deleted the sent email to conceal the access.
The case highlights issues related to digital privacy and ethical conduct among public officials. Traynere was originally charged with three counts of computer tampering on August 19, 2025. The court found her guilty on Counts 1 and 2, both classified as Class B misdemeanors, while she was acquitted on Count 3.
Sentencing for Traynere is scheduled for April 7 at 10:00 a.m., coinciding with her jury trial for separate charges related to an alleged hit-and-run incident involving a child cyclist last fall. She remains on the ballot for reelection despite these legal proceedings.
Edgar County Watchdogs delivers reporting on issues across Illinois, according to the official website. The organization aims to foster accountability, truth and transparency in local governance through document-based journalism, according to the official website.
Edgar County Watchdogs features members affiliated with organizations like the Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists, according to the official website. Notable figures such as John Kraft and Kirk Allen are among its editors, authors and researchers, according to the official website.
The group promotes informed communities by enhancing oversight of local governing entities through accessible public information, according to the official website. Edgar County Watchdogs relies on support from small individual donations, according to the official website.
