Ex-alderman gets probation for theft

OREGON – Former Polo Alderman David Ackeberg, 39, was sentenced Wednesday to 2 years’ probation for stealing from Birkey’s Farm Store in Polo, where he was a salesman.

As part of his plea agreement, one count of forgery was dropped.

Ogle County Court Judge Clayton Lindsey also ordered Ackeberg to pay $7,700 in restitution and do 30 hours of community service.

He had faced a possible sentence of 2 to 5 years.

Ackeberg, indicted July 27, was charged with theft of between $500 and $10,000 and with forgery for selling equipment for prices greater than agreed upon then falsifying documents to support that. He did so seven times between October 2012 and February 2014. The inflated prices were used to calculate his commissions.

He was the Ward 2 alderman from 2007 to 2009 and Ward 1 alderman from 2013 until he resigned on Aug. 1, citing personal reasons.

Because Ackeberg was a city official at the time of the crime, Illinois State Police investigated and Sandra Talbott of the Illinois Attorney General’s office was appointed prosecutor. Russ Crull of Rochelle was his attorney.