Shocking Allegations Emerge: Former Rock Island County Employee Accused of Stealing $900,000

Rock Island County, IL – The news has sent shockwaves through the community: a former Rock Island County employee is facing serious charges after allegedly embezzling nearly $900,000 over a staggering 21-year span. The case raises crucial questions about financial oversight and trust in public service.

The Allegations: Theft and Fraud Unveiled

Leisa Streeter, 62, of New Windsor, Illinois, has found herself at the center of an extensive investigation following a raid on her residence by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police.

Charges Against Streeter

Streeter faces a multitude of charges that underscore the severity of the situation:

• Theft
• Theft of government property
• Forgery
• Money laundering
• Three counts of official misconduct

The implications of these charges are dire, and they paint a picture of a betrayal of public trust.

A Long Tenure with Dark Secrets

A joint announcement by Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal and Sheriff Darren Hart revealed that Streeter had worked as an administrative assistant in court services for 34 years. Her long-standing career at Rock Island County has now been tainted by these serious allegations.

Discovery of Irregularities

Following her retirement, financial irregularities were spotted by the Rock Island County Probation and Treasurer’s Departments. Concerned about these discrepancies, officials escalated the matter to the State’s Attorney’s Office, prompting an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

The Scheme: How Did It Happen?

In a shocking twist, the investigation uncovered that in 2003, Streeter forged documents to open a fraudulent bank account labeled “Rock Island County VIP.” Through this account, she is accused of funneling fraudulent payments as though they were for official services rendered under the Rock Island County Victim’s Impact Program.

Financial Fallout

A thorough forensic audit revealed that from the inception of this deceptive account until her retirement in June 2024, Streeter allegedly drained over $900,000 for personal expenditures, including:

• Credit card bills
• Cash withdrawals
• Loan payments
• Food and entertainment
• Travel-related expenses

This misuse of taxpayer money has shocked and outraged community members.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Reactions

Currently, Streeter is in custody at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, awaiting court proceedings and a possible transfer to the Rock Island County Jail. The investigation remains active, with authorities suggesting that it may lead to asset forfeiture.

A Commitment to Financial Accountability

In light of these troubling events, officials at Rock Island County have issued a statement about their commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds.

“Rock Island County understands its responsibility to protect and implement necessary safeguards in the financial management and oversight of taxpayer funds. This arrest underscores our dedication to holding accountable those who commit financial fraud, especially in positions of trust,” stated officials.

Steps Toward Improvement

KWQC TV6 gathered additional insights from the Rock Island County Board Chairman, who emphasized the seriousness of the matter while mentioning measures taken to enhance financial practices in the county’s administration:

“With the establishment of the County Finance Director’s position and the hiring of an outside consultant, we are committed to implementing best practices in budgeting and financial management,” expressed the Chairman.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Financial Oversight

The alleged actions of a trusted long-term employee not only challenge the integrity of local government but also stress the need for ongoing vigilance in financial oversight of public funds. As this unsettling story develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for misconduct in any organization, no matter how reputable.

For more information on financial fraud prevention and local government accountability, you can visit USA.gov or Transparency International.

Stay Tuned for Updates

As the investigation unfolds, residents and officials alike are watching closely when it comes to the measures that will be taken to prevent future exploitation of public trust.

Copyright 2025 KWQC. All rights reserved.