Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comment from Knox County State’s Attorney Ashley Worby.
A former Knox County jail administrator is accused of stealing more than $100,000 in jail commissary funds over a six-year period, according to Knox County State’s Attorney Ashley Worby.
Louis A. Glossip, who served as jail administrator from at least 2017 until October 2023, faces seven felony charges filed Feb. 27, 2026, in Knox County Circuit Court, including two Class X felonies.
Glossip faces two counts of theft over $100,000 involving a school or place of worship — both Class X felonies — one count of theft between $10,000 and $100,000 involving a school or place of worship, a Class 1 felony, two counts of official misconduct for failure to perform, two counts of official misconduct for a forbidden act, and one count of forgery — issuing or delivering a document. The misconduct and forgery counts are Class 3 felonies.
Worby told WGIL the charges relate to commissary funds at the Knox County Jail. She said individuals in custody received their money — the alleged theft was not from inmates.
Worby said the alleged conduct occurred between 2017 and 2023, during Glossip’s tenure as jail administrator. Glossip left the county in October 2023. The total amount alleged is over $100,000.
Worby said federal charges were initially considered but ultimately declined, as federal prosecutors determined the scope of what they could pursue was limited. State charges offered more options.
“It’s the people of Knox County that are most affected,” Worby said. “Our mission is to see justice for people in Knox County.”
Worby emphasized that Glossip is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Glossip is scheduled for a first court appearance March 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. His attorney, Elisa M. Nelson, has entered an appearance on his behalf.
Court records show a warrant was issued when charges were filed February 27, 2026, and was quashed March 2 after Nelson entered her appearance.
Knox County Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson confirmed he is aware of the charges but referred further comment to Worby’s office.
“The expectation would be that people are held accountable for all of their actions, especially in a public capacity,” Hawkinson said.
Knox County Sheriff Jack Harlan told WGIL the case is being investigated by the Illinois State Police and that he is unable to comment on it.