Former water department clerk appears in court

A former water department clerk charged with theft and official misconduct made her first court appearance Monday morning in Williamson County, Illinois.

The Illinois Attorney General's Office filed the charges against 62-year-old Linda Harvill in September. Harvill worked for the Village of Crainville for more than two decades.

Prosecutors allege Harvill stole nearly $71,000 over a two-and-a-half-year period as clerk.

Neither Harvill nor her attorney had any comment on the case.

Harvill did not enter a plea to the charges. She will be back in court for a preliminary hearing October 28. Attorneys will handle bond requirements at that time.

Earlier story:

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. - A former southern Illinois water department clerk will face a judge Monday morning.

Linda Harvill allegedly stole more than $70,000 from Williamson County.

Crainville Mayor Ron Mitchell says Harvill worked for the village for 24 years. Harvill went on medical leave last year and never came back.