Prosecutors charged McCann in 2021, accusing him of misusing over $200,000 in campaign contributions for personal spending between May 2015 and June 2020. This included buying a 2017 Ford Expedition, a 2018 Ford F-250, a recreational travel trailer, and a motor home. Additionally, prosecutors alleged McCann used campaign money to pay personal debts and mortgage payments.
Misuse of Campaign Funds
Further allegations stated that McCann spent nearly $50,000 on credit card payments for a family vacation in Colorado and purchases from iTunes, Amazon, Best Buy, and a gun store. After his failed gubernatorial campaign, McCann reportedly caused the Conservative Party of Illinois to issue about $187,000 in payments to himself and over $50,000 for payroll taxes, concealing his involvement by using a payroll service.
William McCann Sentenced to 3.5 Years for Money Laundering : Tax Evasion Scheme
The tax evasion charge stemmed from McCann’s failure to report income from a scheme involving a recreational vehicle rental business. McCann created two online accounts with the business, listing the recreational vehicles he bought for rent on one account and posing as a renter on the other. He used over $77,000 in campaign funds to buy and rent from himself, according to prosecutors.
Legal Representation
The government was represented by Timothy Bass, John Hoelzer, Richard Kim, and Tanner Jacobs of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. McCann was represented by Jason Vincent of Giffin Winning Cohen & Bodewes PC.
William McCann Sentenced to 3.5 Years for Money Laundering : Conclusion
William McCann’s 3.5-year sentence for money laundering highlights the severe consequences of misusing campaign funds for personal gain. The restitution order and supervised release underscore the judicial system’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
