Former Elgin Cop Sentenced For Stealing Union Funds

ELGIN, IL – A former Elgin police officer has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $34,000 from a police union fund, prosecutors said. William F. Wood, 51, of Elgin was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty Friday to a misdemeanor charge of theft. In addition, Wood agreed to pay $34,702.90 in restitution, according to a news release from the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Between 2007 and 2013, while acting as treasurer and president of the Elgin Police Benevolent and Protection Association of Illinois Unit 54, Wood used union funds for personal expenses, according to prosecutors.

“Mr. Wood violated the trust of the public and of his fellow police officers by stealing a significant amount of money from the union fund set up to support its members,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said. “Unfortunately, after a lengthy career in public service, he tarnished his record of service. He also has fully reimbursed the union for the money he stole. This guilty plea holds him accountable for his criminal conduct.”

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK