Julie Bliss, the former Boone County Clerk and Recorder in Illinois, pleaded guilty on September 2, 2025, to three felony counts stemming from the theft of county funds and misuse of a county credit card. She was sentenced to 180 days in the Boone County Jail, four years of probation, and $28,919.05 in restitution to Boone County.1WREX. Julie Bliss Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail, Four Years on Probation for Theft She had resigned from office on July 31, 2025, the same day her plea hearing was set.2WIFR. Julie Bliss Resigns From Role as Boone County Clerk
What Bliss Pleaded Guilty To
Under the agreement negotiated by the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit, Bliss pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property and two counts of official misconduct. The remaining 23 counts from her original indictment were dropped.1WREX. Julie Bliss Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail, Four Years on Probation for Theft A status hearing on her restitution payments was scheduled for October 23.3WIFR. Former Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss Sentenced for Theft of Government Property
The Original 26-Count Indictment
On October 12, 2023, the Illinois Attorney General’s office filed 26 felony counts against Bliss in Boone County Circuit Court. Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the charges the next day. Bliss was 53 and living in Belvidere at the time.4Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul Charges Boone County Clerk for Alleged Theft and Misuse of County Funds
The indictment alleged she stole cash from the county and used a Boone County credit card for personal spending, including groceries at Walmart, purchases at Farm and Fleet and Amazon, tires for her personal vehicle, and personal debt payments.4Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul Charges Boone County Clerk for Alleged Theft and Misuse of County Funds The counts broke down this way:
- One Class 1 and three Class 2 felony counts of theft of governmental property.
- One Class 1 and three Class 2 felony counts of theft of governmental property by deception.
- Five Class 3 felony counts of wire fraud.
- Thirteen Class 3 felony counts of official misconduct.4Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul Charges Boone County Clerk for Alleged Theft and Misuse of County Funds
A Class 1 felony in Illinois carries up to 15 years in prison, Class 2 up to 7, and Class 3 up to 5.4Illinois Attorney General. Attorney General Raoul Charges Boone County Clerk for Alleged Theft and Misuse of County Funds
How the Case Started
An employee in the Boone County Clerk’s office reported irregularities in two county bank accounts, which triggered the investigation.5MyStateline.com. Julie Bliss Jail Sentence The Illinois State Police investigated and arrested Bliss in August 2023.6WIFR. Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss Indicted on New Charges The Boone County State’s Attorney recused her office from the case, and prosecution was handed to the Illinois Attorney General.1WREX. Julie Bliss Sentenced to 180 Days in Jail, Four Years on Probation for Theft Bliss was placed on administrative leave while the case moved through the courts and remained in that status until her resignation in July 2025.7MyStateline.com. Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss Gets New Judge in Theft Case