UPDATE: Former SWANCC Exec Accused of Stealing $900K Awaits Trial, Allowed to Leave State

Bond was modified May 17 in Cook County Circuit Court to allow the former executive director of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC)--to leave the state as he awaits trial on charges of embezzling more than $900,000. 

on two charges each of theft of government property, official misconduct and forgery. These Class X felonies carry a prison sentence of six to 30 years, according to Cook County State’s Attorney spokesperson Andy Conklin. 

Beal was in funds from SWANCC after a five month joint investigation involving the and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit. Beal allegedly filed false expense reports, claiming to register for prestigious graduate and management classes he never attended, according to a news release from Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. 

“The Defendant has property in Union Pier (in Michigan) he needs to tend to,” Beal attorney Thomas Breen told Judge Timothy Chambers. The Judge allowed the modification but reminded Beal not to miss any court dates. Beal remains free on $500,000 bond. 

Assistant State’s Attorney Nick Trutenko then told Chambers he had completed packaging all information the prosecution needed to proceed to trial.

 “We have completed discovery,” Trutenko said. “I will be giving Mr. Breen two banker’s boxes of records.” 

The case was continued until 9:30 a.m. June 21 the Skokie branch of Cook County Circuit Court.

Stay tuned to Patch for more updates.