A former Waukegan, Illinois, city councilman has pleaded guilty to forgery and official misconduct. Prosecutors found that Roudell Kirkwood, when applying for licenses to sell alcohol and operate video gaming, did not disclose that he was an elected local official. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 24 months of conditional discharge and a fine.
He Hid His Council Seat in License Applications
Roudell Kirkwood represented Waukegan’s Fourth Ward from May 2019 to May 2023. During the same period, he was president of Mac Dynasty Inc., a company that operates a restaurant with a bar and video gaming terminals in Lake County.
Investigators found that in 2019–2020, Kirkwood submitted applications for the relevant permits without disclosing that he served as a city councilman.
Three forgery counts concerned documents filed in 2019: an application for a liquor license in Waukegan, paperwork on the location of video gaming, and an application submitted to the state Liquor Control Commission.
The fourth count concerned official misconduct, for concealing his public office in the video gaming location application.
Former Councilman Sentenced, Must Also Pay a Fine
Kirkwood pleaded guilty to three counts of forgery and one count of official misconduct. All were classified as third-degree offenses.
Under the plea agreement, he received 24 months of conditional discharge, without probation supervision. He was also ordered to pay $1,169 in fines and court costs.
A Lake County grand jury handed up the indictment in the case on July 1, 2022. The investigation was conducted by the gaming unit of the Illinois State Police and the state gaming commission.
Prosecutors: Former Councilman Violated the Public’s Trust
Because the case was handled in Lake County, Jamie Mosser, the Kane County State’s Attorney, was appointed special prosecutor.
Mosser stressed that Kirkwood’s concealment of his public office and his falsification of documents violated residents’ trust in those who hold power. He also noted that public officials should adhere to the highest standards of honesty and accountability.
Source: Polski.FM
