Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $102,249 in restitution after she pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the library and from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Kenyada T. Harris, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2026.

Prosecutors say Harris used the library’s credit card for her personal gain and used LINK cards for herself, family members and friends while she was employed at the St. Clair County Family Community Resource Center.

FOREIGN NATIONAL PLEADS GUILTY TO FIRING SHOTS NEAR BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN CHICAGO

A Mexican citizen who was in the United States illegally has pleaded guilty to a federal firearm charge after prosecutors said he fired shots near U.S. Border Patrol agents in Chicago in November.

Hector Gomez, 46, had previously been convicted of a felony firearm offense in Cook County and was prohibited under federal law from possessing a gun.

Sentencing is July 20.

SIX MEN INDICTED FOR WINNETKA HOME INVASION

A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted six men on robbery and kidnapping offenses after an alleged home invasion in Winnetka last month.

Government attorneys say the men forcibly entered the residence, used firearms to keep an individual captive for about an hour, and demanded access to a safe and access to online accounts holding cryptocurrency.

Charges are forthcoming against a seventh defendant.

REPORT: BEARS ARE SIXTH-PRICIEST SPORTS TEAM FOR FANS

A report says the Chicago Bears are the sixth most expensive sports team in the world for fans to follow.

ForesightSports.com examined yearly expenses for tickets, stadium food and drinks, streaming subscriptions and jerseys. The annual total for Bears fans came in at $3,009.

The New York Knicks topped the list at $4,274, followed by the Detroit Lions at $4,011. The report said major league ticket prices are up 25% over the last three years.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is defending the state’s child care spending, saying longtime safeguards are in place that help prevent widespread fraud uncovered in Minnesota....
Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

Illinois quick hits: State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State keeps more tax revenue, locals get less Across Illinois, local governments have lost more than $10.9 billion in state income...
beecher illinois public library graphic.1

Beecher Library Board Approves Annual Financial Report and CD Renewal

Beecher Public Library District Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Beecher Public Library District Board of Trustees addressed several key financial matters during its November meeting, including the approval...
U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

U.S. House vote on employee bargaining met with ‘political theater’ criticism

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square )The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a vote to restore collective bargaining for over one million federal workers...
Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

Hog producer: 2025 was strong, but IL legislature needs to address estate tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois hog producer says 2025 was a strong year, but state lawmakers need to address estate...
Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

Trump to remove National Guard members from Chicago, LA, Portland

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – National Guard members deployed in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Ore., will head home after President Donald...
Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

Illinois’ compact fluorescent bulb ban begins to take effect

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – One of the nearly 300 new laws that took effect in Illinois New Year’s Day is a...
Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

Illinois quick hits: SBA sues Chicago over online betting tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois to receive rural health-care funding The federal government has awarded Illinois $193.4 million per year for five years to expand...
Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

Illinois Congressman: Millions face higher premiums despite GOP health bill

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the U.S. House passed Republicans' “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act” before leaving...
Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

Jan. 1 law lets Illinois veterinarians skip rabies shots for at-risk pets

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law taking effect Jan. 1 will let veterinarians renew yearly medical exemptions for...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Homer Glen Landscape Business Granted Extension Due to Utility Delays

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a second extension for a special use permit for a landscaping business in Homer Glen....
Chicago school board raises tax levy on families 'at a breaking point'

Chicago school board raises tax levy on families ‘at a breaking point’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Board of Education has raised its property tax levy to fund Chicago Public Schools, but...
Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

Lake Co. Circuit Clerk can’t undo $2.5M verdict for workers fired over politics

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A federal judge has agreed to preserve a jury’s verdict ordering the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office to pay more than $2.5...
Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

Illinois quick hits: McClain reports to prison

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square McClain reports to prison Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime associate has begun serving a two-year prison sentence at a...
Will County Board Graphic.01

New Lenox Used Car Dealership Approved with Conditions

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit allowing a used car dealership to operate in an industrial park...