Sangamon County has announced they are strictly enforcing penalties for false reporting related to the COVID-19 Virus and any non-compliance with public health orders. Dan Wright, Sangamon County State’s Attorney, announced on Saturday that his office is strictly enforcing criminal penalties for any dissemination of false information concerning the COVID-19 virus or failure to comply with the stay at home order.
Under Illinois law, any conviction of such offenses is a Class A misdemeanor subject to jail time of up to 364 days and potential fines of up to $2,500. If you submit a false report that would result in an emergency response by any public safety agency you can be charged with disorderly conduct, which is a class 4 felony and is eligible for a sentence of 1-3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. If you see any price gouging or fraudulent schemes designed to take advantage of the pandemic, you are encouraged to contact your State’s Attorney’s Office.
