Former Makanda Township Road Commissioner indicted on charges

MAKANDA, Ill. (KBSI) – The former Makanda Township Road Commissioner has been indicted on charges after Illinois State Police say he used his public office to steer contracts toward a contractor who would pay him in return.

Danny D. “DD” Williams, 70, of Makanda faces two counts of pecuniary interest in contract.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigated the former township official.

ISP worked with the Jackson County State’s Attorney to bring charges against Williams.

On April 21, 2022, Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph Cervantez requested an ISP investigation into alleged inappropriate actions by Williams.

ISP identified several instances where Williams used his official position to steer contracts toward a contractor who would pay him in return, according to ISP.

On May 4, the Jackson County Grand Jury returned a true bill to indict Williams on the two counts of pecuniary interest in contract.

Williams appeared in court on June 14.