A Macoupin County village treasurer has been charged with misusing village funds by collecting pay she was not entitled to and spending funds on personal expenses. 45 year old Elizabeth Robinson of Shipman was charged with two counts of Class 1 felony theft, each punishable by up to 15 years in prison; one count of Class 2 felony theft, punishable by up to seven years in prison; one count of Class 3 felony forgery, punishable by up to five years in prison; and one count of Class 3 felony wire fraud, punishable by up to five years in prison. 

Attorney General Kwame Raoul also charged Robinson with ten counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct, each punishable by up to five years in prison. According to Raoul, Robinson used her position as Shipman village treasurer to pay herself payroll she was not entitled to by forging signatures on unauthorized village checks.  She also allegedly used village funds to pay personal bills including utility bills and rent on personal storage units, through electronic payments.  Raoul’s office alleges that Robinson misused between $10,000 and $65,000 in village funds through payments to herself and on personal costs. 

Attorney General Raoul said, “Government employees have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly.  Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves.” 

The Illinois State Police led the investigation into Robinson’s alleged misconduct. Assistant Attorneys General Mara Somlo and Steven Sallerson are prosecuting the case for Attorney General Raoul’s office. Robinson’s next court date is set for October 16th.