One of the most respected and popular public figures in Franklin County. (Which is worrisome.)
July 21, 2007 - Barry Kohl, 60, Superintendent of the Franklin-Williamson Regional Office of Education,** was sentenced to 6 years for felony bribery and 2 years for guilty pleas to theft by deception, felony theft (over $300) and three counts of official misconduct.
He pleaded guilty in April. In addition to prison time, he will also lose his pension.
[Franklin County State’s Attorney Tom Dinn said Kohl will forfeit his Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension following his bribery conviction.** Franklin-Williamson Regional Office of Education provides support services to 15 school districts in both Franklin and Williamson counties in Southern Illinois. - from their website.
“If you are a felon you forfeit your pension,”” Dinn said. “He’s lost everything he worked for - not just his retirement, but his reputation.”
Kohl was forced to resign after the U.S. Department of Education announced funding would be pulled if he remained on the job. It is an elected position.
