Former Williamson County State's Attorney Brandon Zanotti has been sentenced to two years probation on a federal fraud conviction...
The U-S Attorney's Office says Zanotti was sentenced yesterday (Wed) for his role in a scheme to sell seven commercial rental properties by falsifying loan and other bank documents. According to court documents, in April of 2022 Zanotti admitted to meeting with bank officials and the buyer of the properties to fraudulently make it appear as if the loan to buy the properties in Williamson and Franklin Counties was actually a refinancing. Documents were back-dated to falsely indicate the buyer purchased the properties in February of 2022 for a falsely inflated price. The U-S Attorney's Office says the bank's loan committee approved the loan based on the false information.
Zanotti pleaded guilty in March of this year to one felony count of aiding and abetting the making of a false bank entry. Zanotti must also pay a 5-thousand dollar fine and serve 20-hours of community service. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission is also considering suspending Zanotti's law license.
Zanotti resigned as Williamson County State's Attorney in July of 2022. He was originally appointed in 2014 to fill the unexpired term of Chuck Garnati.
