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Former Police Officer to Serve Jail Time

Rich Egger
Bill Kennedy was sentenced at the McDonough County Courthouse

Former Macomb Police Officer Bill Kennedy of Blandinsville has been sentenced to 180 days in the McDonough County Jail. He also had to pay about $20,000 in restitution and court fees.

Kennedy, age 35, pleaded guilty to a Class 3 Felony charge of theft under $300.

He was arrested last July for forgery and state benefits fraud. Kennedy was accused of writing a check from someone else’s account for $5,000 and for obtaining a Link card in someone else’s name and using the card. Link cards in Illinois are issued to administer cash assistance or SNAP (food stamp) benefits. 

Credit McDonough County Sheriff's Department
Former Macomb Police Officer Bill Kennedy

Kennedy resigned from the Macomb Police Department after his arrest. He started working for the department in June 2005. As part of the plea deal, Kennedy is prohibited from working in law enforcement again.

Kennedy’s jail sentence will begin Friday. After his release he will be required to complete 30 hours of community service and serve 24 months  probation ending April 2017.

Emily Boyer is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.