From the Decatur Herald & Review:

Ex-Decatur prison warden charged with politicking on state time

The ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPRINGFIELD -- Decatur's former prison warden was charged Monday with campaigning for gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan on state time last spring.

Billie W. Greer, 47, was charged in Macon County Circuit Court with two counts of "election interference." She allegedly solicited correctional workers to make phone calls on behalf of the Ryan campaign before the spring primary election and sent an e-mail related to this on a state computer.

The misdemeanor charges could lead to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine but could also result in probation, Macon County State's Attorney Scott Rueter said.

He declined to say whether Greer allegedly acted alone or was directed by someone else. Rueter said the investigation continues.

A Republican, Reuter defended filing the charges against Greer just a day before voters choose between Republican Ryan and Democrat Rod Blagojevich for governor.

"We're not trying to hide anything from anybody," Rueter said. "I think Jim Ryan would be the first one to say if there's been wrongdoing, then it needs to be followed up on."

Rueter added there is no evidence Ryan's campaign knew about Greer's activities. Spokesmen for Ryan did not return phone calls but said previously they were not aware of Greer's alleged actions and did not condone them.

The Associated Press reported in March that Greer was removed from her post as warden of the Decatur Correctional Center after Department of Corrections Director Donald Snyder learned of the e-mail.

Greer was transferred to a position in the division of the Corrections Department that works with other states to monitor parolees' interstate travel. But her salary of $55,536 has remained unchanged.

"Typically, in a case where an employee is either charged or has some contact with law enforcement agencies, at the conclusion of court proceedings, we will follow up administratively," Corrections Department spokesman Sergio Molina said.

Efforts to reach Greer for comment were unsuccessful. Greer's office said she was not at work Monday, and she has an unlisted home phone number.