Former LaSalle County prosecutor hit with misconduct charges

OTTAWA, Ill. (AP) - A special prosecutor has been put on administrative duty after being indicted for official misconduct.

Brian Towne was indicted Tuesday in connection with his activities as LaSalle County state's attorney.

Towne is accused of having his staff conduct political activity during office hours. It is also alleged he used money generated through an asset forfeiture program to pay for personal expenses.

Towne said Thursday the charges were "a vindictive abuse of power" carried out by Karen Donnelly, who defeated him in his re-election bid last November.

Donnelly's office did not return calls seeking comment.

Brian Towne was prosecuting former Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd, for lying on nominating petitions when seeking re-election in 2016. Rudd is scheduled to go on trial later this year. A replacement for Towne hasn't been named.