No Charges Against Joliet Councilman Jim McFarland Over Envelope, Postage Use

JOLIET, IL — The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has decided not to press charges against Joliet Councilman Jim McFarland over his alleged misuse of city envelopes and postage.

McFarland was being investigated over his use of city envelopes for political purposes. In November, McFarland admitted to using City-branded envelopes to send out letters for a Veterans Day breakfast and mailers for Joliet-area lost pets.

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He was also being investigated over his use of a postage machine at the Forest Preserve District of Will County, where he resigned from his position as community partnerships manager Oct. 21.

Will County State’s Attorney Spokesman Charles Pelkie said they’ve reviewed all the allegations by both the city and the forest preserve district for potential criminal charges.

“Based on the information they provided, we made the determination that we can’t meet our burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, we’re not moving forward with charges,” Pelkie said.

However, if any additional information comes forward, Pelkie said the office would be glad to look at it.

The Joliet City Council is still reviewing the matter.

“We’re going to discuss it internally on how we want to handle it moving forward,” Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said.

Forest Preserve District of Will County Public Information Officer Cindy Cain said in an email that they consider the matter closed.

“We provided all of the relevant information to the State’s Attorney’s Office, which decided not to pursue charges,” Cain said. “Jim McFarland is no longer an employee of the Forest Preserve District, and we consider the matter closed.”