VIOLA, Ill. — The current mayor of Viola, Ill. has been arrested for theft of government funds and official misconduct, according to a release from the Mercer County Sheriff's Department.
Michael A. Lester, 57, was arrested by Mercer County Sheriff's deputies on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
According to court records filed in the circuit court of the 14th Judicial Court of Mercer County, charges were brought against Lester by the Mercer County State's Attorney Grace Simpson.
He is charged with one count of theft, stating that between Oct. 29, 2022 through July 28, 2023, Lester "knowingly exerted unauthorized control over property of the Village of Viola, being U.S. currency." The value exceeded $500 but did not exceed $10,000.
Lester is also charged with 38 additional counts of official misconduct, stating that he performed these crimes "in his official capacity being a public officer for the Village of Viola," with dates ranging from Nov. 25, 2022 to July 28, 2023.
Lester is being housed in the Mercer County Jail pending his first court appearance. His preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. at the Mercer County courthouse.
Lester is listed as the current mayor of Viola on the village's website, leading a group of 5 other board members.
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