Former East St. Louis library director pleads guilty to wire fraud, embezzlement

The former director of the East St. Louis Public Library pleaded guilty in federal court to five counts of wire fraud related to the misuse of library funds.

Kenyada Harris entered her plea in the U.S. District Court of Southern Illinois before Judge Staci Yandle admitting to five counts of wire fraud and embezzlement. Harris agreed to the charges as part of a plea agreement, acknowledging she used library funds for personal purchases and cash advances.

Harris faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to an indictment filed Aug. 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Harris was accused of charging $16,409.85 to a credit card issued by Lindell Bank of O’Fallon, Mo. The credit card was intended for incidental expenses related to official library business.

The indictment alleges Harris stole cash and used the city-issued card to make unauthorized cash advances and personal purchases, which she concealed from city officials responsible for financial oversight. Prosecutors said Harris’ efforts to hide the misuse included false statements, misrepresentations and a forged receipt for an automotive repair. For example, on July 31, 2023, there was a charge to Dobbs Auto and Tire in Cahokia Heights for $1,409.85.

Between January and April 6, Harris, then 40, used the card to withdraw a total of $15,000 in cash from Bank of America branches in O’Fallon and Belleville, according to court records.

Because Harris’s crimes involved wire transfers and the East St. Louis Library receives more than $10,000 each year in federal grant funding and other assistance, the case was prosecuted in federal court.

Harris resigned from the library in June 2024. She was hired in June 2023 and was earning an annual salary of $87,000.

“The law prohibits public officials from using their positions for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

The court deferred acceptance of Harris’s guilty plea pending review of a pre-sentencing report. A jury trial was vacated, and Harris was released on bond, according to court records.

Harris was represented by attorney Joslyn Anthony Sandifer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case.