Former Abraham Lincoln Pres. Library head pleads guilty to shoplifting

Crime committed by Illinois state employees, from the governor on down, sometimes comes from unexpected corners.

For intance, this afternoon the former executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum pleaded guilty to shoplifting. Richard E. Beard was caught stealing a "House" DVD set from a Springfield Target store. Beard was nabbed twice before on the same charge.

From the State Journal-Register:

He was sentenced by Associate Circuit Judge John Childress to six months conditional discharge, which is a form on non-reporting probation; fined $500 and ordered to continue psychological counseling.

Beard earned almost a $200,000 year as the head of the downstate tourist attraction.

The place is jinxed. As I've remarked before, with all due respects to our beloved 16th president, what can you expect from a place which has imrisoned Governor George Ryan's named carved in the cornerstone?

Related posts:

Blago's sleaze reached into the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Charged with shoplifting, Lincoln prez library head on leave
"Rezko scandals" latest indictment victim: Bill Cellini
Thirty hours in Lincoln's Springfield, Illinois

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