No criminal charges against Macon County state's attorney

DECATUR, Ill. (AP) - A special prosecutor investigating misconduct allegations involving Macon County State's Attorney Jay Scott won't file criminal charges but a grand jury recommends an independent review of his office.

The grand jury findings filed in a Macon County court Friday say "toxic and threatening" work conditions including favoritism, inadequate record keeping, retaliation and abuse of power existed in the office. The (Decatur) Herald & Review reports the grand jury recommended the findings be forwarded to the Illinois Attorney and Registration Disciplinary Commission, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing against lawyers.

A petition filed in September by a Macon County board member and a local attorney alleged misconduct, including allowing employees to engage in electioneering. Former McLean County Prosecutor Stephanie Wong was appointed special prosecutor.

Scott has denied wrongdoing. He declined comment Friday.

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Information from: Herald & Review, http://www.herald-review.com