Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hintz is charged with forgery and theft. His wife, Michelle, faces theft and conspiracy charges. The multiple felony charges against the Hintzes carry prison sentence ranges of from 1-3 years to up to 15 years.
Winnebago County State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross said Illinois State Police were asked to investigate inappropriate charges on Hintz’s government-issued credit card.
WATCH: Hite Ross Announces Charges
County Sheriff Gary Caruana said the possible credit card fraud came to light in February.
The alleged theft exceeds $15,000.
Hintz was elected to the post in 2016. Before that, he spent years working under longtime coroner Sue Fiduccia until her retirement.
WREX: County Board Chairman Calls For Hintz Resignation
Under the Constitution, Hintz is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and, for the present, will continue to hold his office. The Republican also appears on the November ballot as the sole candidate for coroner.