Libertyville Twp. highway chief resigns; takes plea deal
The Libertyville Township highway commissioner pleaded guilty this week to a misdemeanor count of attempted unlawful stringing of bids, authorities said.
Mike Graham was sentenced to 18 months of probation and 50 hours of community service following the negotiated plea deal approved by Lake County Judge Christen Bishop Tuesday.
The Daily Herald has so far been unable to reach him Thursday evening.
As part of the plea deal, Graham agreed to not hold public office while on probation, said Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day.
By law, Day said, all contractual work above a certain amount must go out for public bid. However, Graham tried to bypass that bidding process by awarding four separate contracts for tree trimming services to four companies - all owned by one person.
Day said the work was completed to satisfaction, and that the township paid for the work performed.
"There is no evidence that (Graham) received a kickback or did this for personal advantage or gain," Day said. "But, we want other public officials to look at this case and know the Lake County State's Attorney's Office takes this type of thing very seriously."
Felony unlawful stringing of bids and official misconduct charges were dropped as part of the plea deal, Day said. Had Graham been found guilty of the most serious charge at trial, he could have been sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Libertyville Township Supervisor Kathleen M. O'Connor said Graham resigned his position Monday, prior to the negotiated plea deal.
She said the township board expects to appoint a replacement within 60 days and is in the process of creating an application procedure for interested candidates.
She said township officials are also identifying and addressing immediate needs at the township highway department.
She directed any other questions to the state's attorney's office.
Graham ran for highway commissioner as an independent candidate in April 2013, after former commissioner Bill Morgan did not seek re-election.