8 years, 5 months ago by Scott Hardy
Former LaHarpe mayor admits having city backhoe do work on his property in 2016
The former Mayor of LaHarpe, Illinois has pleaded Guilty to a misconduct charge and avoided prison.
Ryan Kienast was in Hancock County Circuit Court Thursday, where he pleaded Guilty to one count of official misconduct. That's after he told a judge in April that he'd waive his right to a jury, as part of a settlement with prosecutors. After the plea, Kienast was sentenced to 12 months supervised release. Kienast admitted telling a city employee in November 2016 to use a city backhoe for work on his property in La Harpe.
Kienast, who resigned as Mayor in May 2017, could have faced up to two years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines if he were convicted at trial.
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