Joliet Finally Fills Inspector General Role After Attorney Sean Connolly Ousted In 2024

JOLIET, IL — It has taken the city of Joliet nearly a year and a half to appoint someone to fill the vacancy of inspector general, but that day has finally come. On Wednesday, Joliet issued a press release announcing attorney Stephen H. DiNolfo as the newly appointed inspector general.

DiNolfo is a member of the Naperville law firm Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg and Castaldo.

Under the city’s ordinance, the inspector general reports to the city manager and serves as an independent authority responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct within city government, Joliet officials explained.

“Stephen DiNolfo’s extensive background in public sector investigations, coupled with his deep understanding of labor law and municipal operations, makes him exceptionally qualified to serve in this vital role,” said City Manager Beth Beatty. “We are confident that his leadership, impartiality, and integrity will help strengthen public trust in our city government.”

According to Joliet's press release, DiNolfo brings more than three decades of legal experience, with a distinguished career focusing on litigation, labor and employment law, and the representation of public sector entities.

A significant portion of his practice is devoted to representing local governments and EMS providers in employment and malpractice claims. DiNolfo has led investigations within the Joliet Police Department for many years.

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans added, “Our department has worked extensively with Mr. Dinolfo, utilizing him for a variety of sensitive internal investigations. Steve strikes me as a no non-sense investigator that is balanced and thorough. I welcome the opportunity to work with Steve as the city’s Inspector General.”

He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, where he served as Research Editor of the Law Review, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from LeMoyne College. DiNolfo is admitted to practice in Illinois, New York, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois.

He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, and the National Defense Research Institute.

Back in 2023, following Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk's re-election defeat for a third term of office, the Joliet City Council parted ways with Westmont attorney Sean Connolly, who had served as Joliet's inspector general since Jim Capparelli took over as city manager in 2021.

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