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Former Hancock County EMS Coordinator Arrested, Charged

Peoria County Sheriff's Office
Paul Richardson

The former head of Hancock County's ambulance service was arrested over the weekend and charged with multiple felonies. Paul Richardson is accused of falsifying reports to the county board for financial gain.
An arrest warrant was issued for Richardson on Aug. 12, but he was not taken into custody until Sept. 12 in Peoria County. He posted $2,500 and was released pending a court appearance Sept. 24.

Hancock County State's Attorney Jason Pohren also filed criminal charges against Richardson on Aug. 12: 2 counts of theft (Class 2 Felony) & one count of official misconduct (Class 2 Felony).

According to court records, Richardson allegedly submitted false reports to the Hancock County Board throughout 2014. Those reports resulted in him receiving additional pay for patient transports that he did not make.

He allegedly received between $500 and $10,000 over the course of 2014.

Richardson was placed on paid administrative leave by the county in February pending a review of his department's finances. His contract with the county was eventually terminated in August, nearly three years after it was originally signed.

State's Attorney Jason Pohren said he could not comment because it is an ongoing case.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.