ROCKFORD (WREX) -
The man formerly in charge of the City of Rockford's Energy Division, faces federal charges of public corruption.
Mark E. Bixby, 57, of Rockton, has been charged with the following:
- 2 counts mail fraud
- 2 counts bribery
- 2 counts extortion
- 1 count making false statements to the FBI
According to the indictment, between December 2006 and March 2010, Bixby defrauded a heating contractor and a window contractor who did work for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program, which was run through the Energy Division. The program helps low-income residents save money on energy costs by repairing and replacing heating systems, windows, and doors.
The indictment states Bixby defrauded the contractors out of at least $53,101.33 in funds and benefits. It also charges that he accepted bribes from contractors and extorted the heating contractor out of $2,980.
Bixby is accused of receiving a new 2007 Pontiac Solstice, a total of $18,440 in donations to "charities" that were deposited into accounts controlled by Bixby and a relative and were then used for personal expenses, $2,980 for cemetery plots sold by Bixby to the heating contractor, for which he never turned over the deeds or titles, and a $2,000 loan from the window contractor that was never repaid by Bixby.
Bixby faces a maximum penalty of 20 years for each count of mail fraud, bribery, and extortion. The false statements charge faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All counts carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or a fine totaling twice the loss or twice the gain, whichever is greater, plus restitution.
He's scheduled to be arraigned on January 28.
Mark Bixby - File
