State Police Investigate Argo Credit Card Spending

SUMMIT, IL – State police are investigating credit card spending, which includes porn, at Argo Community High School, an official confirmed Tuesday.

The state police's special investigation unit is handling the matter.

"(T)he investigation is still open, and we're unable to provide documents at this time," state police spokesperson Melaney Arnold said in an emailed response to Patch's public records request.

Last month, Superintendent William Toulios resigned after a seven-month inquiry into his credit card spending. The investigation, released to Patch a couple of weeks ago, showed that Toulios spent thousands of dollars on porn as well as on other personal purposes.

Officials have been in trouble with the law before over credit card spending.

Two decades ago, downstate Pekin's mayor faced charges of official misconduct, a Class 3 felony in Illinois.

After being elected, the mayor used his city-issued credit card to withdraw $1,400 in cash to play video poker at a Peoria casino, prosecutors said.

The mayor paid back the money. In one instance, though, his check bounced, but he quickly reimbursed the city, according to court records.

In the case against the mayor, the state said he exceeded his lawful authority because he broke the public funds clause of the state constitution. The clause states that "public funds, property or credit shall be used only for public purposes."

In 2008, the state Supreme Court rejected the mayor's appeal, affirming his conviction.

Shortly after the 2008 court ruling, the Illinois Municipal League's lawyers advised the group's members about credit card use.

"(W)hen using public money or credit, officials should be exceedingly diligent to 'dot their i's and cross their t's.' Even minor infractions can lead to felony prosecutions with possible convictions," the attorneys said.

Last month, Jennifer Grenier, Argo's school board president, released a statement to the public shortly before the school emailed its investigatory report in response to Patch's records request. The report was done jointly by a law firm and an accounting firm.

"Tonight, we have approved the release of that investigatory report with as much transparency as possible, with redactions only to protect attorney-client privilege, and for the most sensitive of personal information," she said.

Some public bodies withhold entire investigatory reports by lawyers, citing the privilege. A few years ago, that happened in Hinsdale.

Grenier said she was sorry for the disappointment and concern over the events. She noted her daughters were fourth-generation Argonauts and that her grandfather built the Swanson Gym.

"Argo has shaped who I am both professionally and as a parent, and I care about its future with all my heart," she said.

She promised the school would strengthen its internal policies, including dual approval of high-value purchases, monthly review of credit card spending and annual ethical stewardship training for all senior leaders.

Grenier said social media posts can be cruel and disheartening.

"I am willing to face that negativity if it means rebuilding the trust our community deserves," she said.