Former Makanda city official indicted in kickback scheme

A former city official in Makanda has been indicted in a kickback scheme involving public contracts.

The Jackson County State's Attorney and the Illinois State Police announced the indictment of 70-year-old Danny D. "DD" Williams of Makanda. Williams is the former Makanda Township Road Commissioner.

The investigation began in April of 2022 when Jackson County State's Attorney Joseph Cervantez brought in the Illinois State Police to look into allegations that Williams had used his influence to see that public contracts went to a contractor of his choosing. Once the contract was awarded, the contractor would reportedly kick back money to Williams.

The investigation by the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation and the Special Investigations Units allegedly uncovered several such instances involving Williams. In May of 2023, the Jackson County Grand Jury handed down an indictment charging Williams with two counts of Pecuniary Interest in Contract. 

Williams had his first court appearance on June 14th.