State Police Investigate Aaron Lawlor's Credit Card Spending

WAUKEGAN, IL – State police have formally opened an investigation into allegations that the head of the Lake County Board billed misused his county credit card, according to an announcement Tuesday from the state's attorney's office. Investigators are probing spending by Board Chair Aaron Lawlor, 36, before he announced this month he was taking a leave of absence from the board and was no longer seeking re-election.

Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and Acting Board Chair Carol Calabresa (R-Libertyville) released a joint statement Aug. 7 announcing they had invited an outside agency to investigate allegations that Lawlor had used a county issued procurement card, also known as a "P-card," for personal purposes. The outside investigative agency had not been named prior to this week.

"During our initial discussions with ISP, they requested that their involvement in this case not be made public until they completed their internal process of formally accepting this investigation," Nerheim's office said in a statement. "That process has now concluded. "

The chief county prosecutor earlier promised citizens a timely and impartial investigation into the allegations of improper spending by the county board chairman.

"This investigative process is vitally important in providing full transparency in our administration of Lake County government and maintaining the public’s trust that a fair, complete and independent investigation will be accomplished in this matter," according to Nerheim's office.

Lawlor (R-Vernon Hills) announced last month he would take a leave of absence to focus on treatment for an unspecified addiction. He later extended his leave indefinitely and said he would not seek reelection to a fourth term. Lawlor had been facing an Aug. 30 deadline to pay thousands of dollars in fines to state election officials for failing to file campaign finance reports – or else wind up getting tossed off the ballot.

At the time, Nerheim's office said it was informed that Lawlor may be in financial trouble. After some initial inquires, the state's attorney, sheriff and vice chair of the county board learned of suggestions that Lawlor may have made personal purchases on his county credit card.

"While unproved, such allegations are a matter of serious concern," said the joint statement earlier this month.

Board member Sandy Hart (D-Lake Bluff) said the concerns over Lawlor's purchases were uncovered by a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

"Using a procurement card for personal purchases is against the law, even if the purchases are reimbursed, as it is the unlawful use of taxpayer dollars," Hart wrote in a letter to voters. "In this instance, we must understand why it went on for so long, the approval process of those expenditures, and how much has been repaid to the County."

An ISP spokesperson was asked if the investigation was limited to allegations regarding Lawlor of if it extended to the use of county-issued cards by other employees.

"We can not comment on the details of the investigation as it remains open and ongoing," said Sgt. Ryan Cape. "If we receive any updates in the future we will pass them on."

A pair of Vernon Hills women will vie for Lawlor's 18th District seat on the Nov. 6 ballot. Democrat Julie Simpson will square off against Republican Karimar Brown, who was selected this week to replace the on-leave board chair.

Related:

• Amid Rehab, Investigation, Aaron Lawlor Won't Seek 4th Term
• Lake County Credit Card Policies Reconsidered Amid Spending Probe
• Brown Picked To Replace Lawlor On Ballot For Lake County Board