BLOOMINGTON - Discrepancies in sworn statements taken as part of an investigation into a McLean County Board member have been forwarded to State's Attorney Bill Yoder.

"There are two statements made during that investigation that are at odds with each other so it is being looked at further," said County Administrator John Zeunik.

Bob Nuckolls

Zeunik would not comment on the nature of the discrepancies or who made the statements during the investigation of board member Bob Nuckolls. Yoder would not comment on the matter and said he never comments on any investigation or whether one exists.

However, Yoder said, a special prosecutor would be used to conduct any investigation that involves a County Board member. He would not comment on whether a special prosecutor has been hired.

The investigation followed a request for orders of protection filed by Margaret Nelson and her daughter, Megan Nelson, against Nuckolls. The case was settled by a mutual agreement that the two sides stay away from each other and no one admits wrongdoing.

Immediately after the civil case was settled, Nuckolls filed a defamation suit against the women. A status hearing on the matter is set in November.

Nuckolls is director of parking services at Illinois State University, and Margaret Nelson works in his office. He was involved in a job interview for Megan Nelson, who was hired by the county.

"My clients aren't concerned about the materials being sent on for further investigation," said Scott Kording, who represents the Nelsons. "They are not hiding anything."

Nuckoll's attorney, Jonathan Backman, had a similar response to the investigation.

"I'm not sure what it will accomplish, but to the extent the county needs an answer, we will certainly cooperate," Backman said.

The county investigation was conducted by Robert A. Kearney, whom the board has hired to train employees and supervisors and develop a range of personnel management policies at a rate of $242 an hour. There is no limit on how many hours Kearney will work for the county.

"This will help the county's administrative staff update its materials and training so we can to our best to avoid and solve personnel problems," said County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen. The board met Tuesday.

Kearney is a local attorney who specializes in human resources law.

Zeunik said the county already has taken steps to address all 10 suggestions made by Kearney as part of his investigation.