Matt Pehle Surrenders To Joliet Police Amid Joliet Park District Case

JOLIET, IL — With a felony warrant out for his arrest for more than a week, former Joliet Park District financial director Matt Pehle finally has surrendered himself to the Joliet Police Department, and he brought enough money along — $10,000 cash— to avoid being booked into the Will County Jail and becoming a prisoner there while awaiting trial.

On Friday, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English issued a press release surrounding the investigation that lasted nearly two-and-a-half years before criminal charges resulted.

Joliet Patch first wrote about the embezzlement investigation at the Joliet Park District involving Pehle as the prime suspect, back in January 2021. Pehle had been one of the top paid employees during his tenure at the Joliet Park District, making more than $100,000 annually in base salary.

According to Sgt. English:

• The 43-year-old Pehle was arrested, processed, and released on a cash bond on felony charges of continuing a financial crimes enterprise. Pehle was placed into custody at noon on Thursday after turning himself in at the Joliet police station.
• Back on Jan. 12, 2021, officers responded to the Joliet Park District at 3000 West Jefferson Street for a report of theft. Joliet Park District officials reported that between April of 2013 and December of 2019, it was believed that Pehle had executed multiple unauthorized purchases using a Joliet Park District credit card that were not related to park district business.
• The purchases were made while Pehle was director of finance for the Joliet Park District.
• "An extensive investigation of this case was initiated by the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division resulting in a bill indictment of Pehle on May 3, by a Will County Grand Jury."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

8 Felonies: Ex-Joliet Park District Finance Director Indicted