No criminal charges for Pingree Grove village president

Pingree Grove Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey will not face criminal charges related to an internal audit that probed his spending habits and allegations that his staff felt obligated to baby-sit his young son at village hall, a Kane County State's Attorney's office spokesman said Monday.

"Based on the information that was sent to our office, no charges will be filed at this time," said spokesman Chris Nelson, relaying a message from Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti. "But if more or different information is forwarded to our office, we will review it again."

The audit's financial portion showed that between a village credit card, debit card, petty cash and cell phone bills, Carey rang up a total of $17,689.27 from the time he started office in April 2007 through February 2010 - as president. Those expenses included a business trip to Oregon, a laptop and accompanying Internet service, various meals and a pair of gifts for staff. He makes $150 a week in the post.

The second part of the audit said some staffers felt pressured to look after Carey's now 3-year-old son and accounted for spending four hours and 10 minutes of village time watching him.

For his part, Carey is elated with the news and ready to move on with village business.

"There has been months and hundreds of hours spent on this and we have a lot of important projects to be done," Carey said. "And I'll be happy to get some normalcy back at the village hall."

Then-village manager Scott Hartman, fired soon after he compiled the audit, determined Carey had not done anything wrong.

Hartman was officially let go under a convenience clause that said he could be terminated for any reason. Earlier this month, Marston, Mette, Wiedmeyer and Trustee Josh Cossiboon voted to fire him.

Unsatisfied with Hartman's findings, Marston, Mette and Wiedmeyer voted to send the audit to Barsanti's office to see whether Carey did anything illegal. Barsanti's staff received the documents two weeks ago.

While Marston and Mette could not be reached for comment Monday, Wiedmeyer said he's not exactly sure what happens next.

He also noted he wasn't disappointed with Barsanti's decision.

"It doesn't matter to me," he said. "I always feel I do what is best for the village."