Ex-CEO of Will, Grundy Big Brothers Big Sisters pleads not guilty to theft charge

A former chief executive officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy counties has pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging he stole money from the nonprofit organization that mentors youths.

On Monday, Theodore “Ted” Brodeur, 55, of Shorewood, entered his plea of not guilty in his first court appearance in a case where he faces a charge of theft, a class 2 felony.

Those felonies are punishable by probation or a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Will County Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak assigned Brodeur’s case to Will County Judge John Connor. Brodeur’s attorney is Kristine Honiotes.

Brodeur’s next court date is Feb. 24.

Brodeur resigned as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters on Jan. 2, 2024, before the Will County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to investigate financial issues with the organization.

Brodeur once served as a superintendent with the Joliet Park District, where he had oversight of golf courses, the Memorial Stadium and other facilities.

Border is charged with engaging in “unauthorized use” of “ATM cards” belonging to Big Brothers Big Sisters between Jan. 1, 2022 and Dec. 19, 2023, according to a criminal complaint.

Will County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer did not have the exact amount that Brodeur is accused of stealing from the organization.

The criminal complaint alleged the amount Brodeur stole is “in excess of $10,000” and it was for “personal use.”

The case against Brodeur is being handled by Special Prosecutor Bill Elward, who has frequently been assigned to cases since at least 2019 that Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow will not prosecute.

Glasgow’s office has not responded to questions as to why a special prosecutor was assigned to Brodeur’s case.

The board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters includes Joliet Assistant Corporation Counsel Stephanie Silkey, who once worked at Glasgow’s office; Assistant State’s Attorney James Zanayed; Joliet Police Officer Pat Schumacher; and former Joliet Police Chief Al Roechner.

Former Joliet Police Chief Mike Trafton was CEO before Brodeur was hired in 2019.