Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss arrested on one count of Theft of Government Property

Following a detailed investigation by the Illinois State Police’s Zone 2 Major Crimes Unit, on August 31, 2023,
Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss, 53, of Belvidere, was arrested on one count of Theft of
Government Property, a class 2 felony, and one count of Official Misconduct, a class 3 felony. A class 2 felony
is punishable by 3 to 7 years in the Department of Corrections. A class 3 felony is punishable by 2 to 5 years in
the Department of Corrections. Although the maximum penalty for each charge is a prison sentence, both
charges are also eligible for probation pursuant to Illinois statute. The investigation is ongoing, and additional
charges may be filed.
In April of 2023, an employee of the Boone County Clerk’s Office reported irregularities that she had
discovered in two of the County Clerk’s bank accounts. Upon receiving that report, Boone County officials
immediately notified the Illinois State Police, and took appropriate steps to ensure fiscal oversight of the
Clerk’s office during the course of the investigation. Additionally, the County contracted with Sikich, LLP, an
accounting firm, to assist the Illinois State Police in the investigation, and to make recommendations with
respect to ensuring the future fiscal integrity of the Boone County Clerk’s Office.
The misuse of public funds is an abuse of power and a violation of the public trust that will not be tolerated.
The Boone County Board and Boone County Administration are fully committed to cooperating with the
Illinois State Police and with Sikich, LLP, in order to provide the public with a full, accurate, and transparent
accounting of the outcome of this investigation, and to restore the public’s trust in our County officials.
The public is reminded that these are only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. Every defendant
is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the State’s burden to prove his or her guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt