Former Illinois state senator and gubernatorial candidate, William “Sam” McCann, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless after pleading guilty to charges of fraudulent use of campaign funds, money laundering, and tax evasion. McCann was also ordered to pay $684,000 in restitution. The judge noted that despite federal authorities confronting McCann about misusing campaign money for personal expenses, he continued the fraudulent activities. McCann initially claimed to be physically and mentally unfit for trial but later pleaded guilty to multiple charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.

McCann, 54, served as a state senator from 2011 to 2019 and formed the Conservative Party of Illinois during his 2018 gubernatorial bid. Despite receiving $3 million in campaign contributions, including support from a labor union, McCann misused around $340,000 in campaign funds for personal use after acknowledging misspending during FBI interviews in 2018. He used the funds to buy vehicles, an RV, and a trailer, rented them out online under different names, and failed to report the income or refund on his taxes.

During the trial, it came to light that McCann used campaign finances to pay off personal loans, mortgages, credit card bills, go on family vacations, make various purchases, and withdraw cash. Moreover, after his gubernatorial campaign ended, he disguised Conservative Party contributions as payroll expenses to pay himself and cover payroll taxes. McCann, who last resided in Plainview, Illinois, faced a maximum sentence of 20 years for each count of fraud and money laundering.