There are times when I really don’t enjoy being a journalist and this is one of them. There may be more distasteful things on this planet, but having to report on the potential downfall of a good friend is right up there with the worst of them.
I also want to be clear that, regardless of any criminal charges involved, Mr. Hartwell is innocent until proven guilty BEYOND any and all reasonable doubt. You need look no further than my unintended involvement in the Unabom case and a couple of Kane County prosecutions as unequivocal proof of how the powers that be can get it completely wrong.
But facts are facts, and those facts would come out regardless of The First Ward breaking the story. I also fervently believe in that lofty journalistic principle which bestows a responsibility to report the facts regardless of any other mitigating factor. So, here’s the developing story as I have it so far.
An arrest warrant was issued for former Kane County Clerk Thomas Hartwell yesterday, April 25. He was picked up by Troop 3 of the Illinois State Police, appeared in Kane County bond court, and posted the required 10 percent, or $2,000, of the $20,000 bond.
Mr. Hartwell is facing 19 felony charges around a December 9, 2019 incident (or series of incidents) including:
- Theft by deception over $100,000
- Official misconduct
- Wire fraud
- Fraud
- Money laundering
- Misapplication of funds
Theft by deception of over $100,000 is a Class 1 felony in Illinois, unless it involves government funds, which elevates it to the Class X level. A Class X felony is a non-probational offense carrying a 6 to 30 year prison term.
Though I have the case number, there’s no point in looking it up because the proceedings have been sealed pending the arrest. I’m sure the paperwork will go public shortly, but my and the government’s definition of the word “shortly” are frequently quite different. For all the obvious reasons, as this case moves forward it will surely be moved out of Kane County.
I want to be clear that Tom Hartwell has been a friend and will continue to be a friend regardless of any outcome here. I wish only the best to he and his family during what will likely be some very trying times.
