Former Waukegan Alderman Pleads Guilty to Forgery
Roudell Kirkwood falsified license applications to conceal his role as an elected official.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Crime — General
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Former Waukegan 4th Ward alderman Roudell Kirkwood has pleaded guilty to three counts of forgery and one count of official misconduct. The charges stemmed from his failure to disclose his elected status on liquor and gaming license applications.
Why it matters
The case highlights the importance of transparency for elected officials operating businesses within their jurisdiction. Kirkwood held his city council position while running a restaurant that featured video gaming terminals.
Kirkwood pleaded guilty to three felony counts of forgery and one count of official misconduct. He received a sentence of 24 months of conditional discharge along with $1,169 in fines.
The players
Roudell Kirkwood
He is the former 4th Ward alderman of Waukegan who operated a business with video gaming terminals.
Jamie Mosser
She serves as the Kane County State's Attorney and acted as the special prosecutor for this case.
The details
Kirkwood, who served as president of Mac Dynasty Inc., falsified applications submitted to the city of Waukegan, the Illinois Gaming Board, and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission between 2019 and 2020. The forgery charges specifically involved a June 2019 liquor license, a July 2019 gaming disclosure, and an October 2019 retailer application.
Timeline
Kirkwood served as the 4th Ward alderman from May 2019 to May 2023.
The defendant submitted multiple false license applications between 2019 and 2020.
A Lake County grand jury indicted the former alderman on July 1, 2022.
The guilty plea was entered on October 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects the ongoing enforcement of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act regarding conflicts of interest for local municipal leaders. Such prosecutions serve as a deterrent against public officials failing to disclose business ties while serving in government.
The conviction serves as a reminder to residents of the accountability standards expected of their elected representatives in Waukegan. This legal resolution underscores that officials are subject to the same licensing and disclosure regulations as other business owners.
The takeaway
Transparency remains a critical requirement for those balancing public service with private enterprise. Officials are encouraged to strictly adhere to disclosure protocols to avoid professional misconduct charges and legal penalties.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
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