Ex-Staffer Used Special Rec Funds For Personal Expenses: Report

NEW LENOX, IL — Several thousand dollars were used for questionable expenses by a former employee of Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, according to a report from The Frankfort Station.

The Station reported that former Director of Recreation Abby Billups used the association's credit cards for at least $6,503 in questionable expenses between 2014 and 2018. Billups was never charged with any offense.

These questionable purchases include baby clothing, makeup and more, the Station reported.

According to the separation agreement with Billups, she agreed to pay $6,938.12 by December 2018.

Billups resigned from her position in May 2018.

On Thursday, Wallace sent out an email to families involved with the association.

"Unfortunately, in May 2018, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association discovered that an employee had potentially engaged in the use of the SRA’s corporate credit card for personal expenses," Wallace wrote. "LWSRA immediately conducted an internal investigation, which revealed a discrepancy of $6,503. Ultimately, the funds were returned, as well as reimbursement to the SRA for legal fees expended to address the issue. No criminal charges were filed."

In the email, Wallace writes that the association doesn't comment upon confidential personnel actions.

"However, as a result of the unfortunate incident, LWSRA has done a full review of its policies and procedures and implemented additional safeguards to ensure that this type of issue should not happen again," he wrote.

According to the association's website, the association provides recreation services for individuals with disabilities. The website states the association relies on a variety of sources to fund its services, including funds from member districts in the association which include Frankfort Park District, Frankfort Square Park District, Manhattan Park District, Mokena Park District, New Lenox Community Park District, Peotone Park District and Wilmington Island Park District.

Patch has reached out to the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association and has filed FOIA requests for more information.