Williamson Co. Circuit Clerk speaks out about resignation

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - William County Circuit Clerk Justin Maze has publicly apologized following his controversial resignation.

In a post on Facebook, Maze directed his apology to the people of Williamson County, stating that he, “betrayed [their] trust by not telling the full story” of his resignation.

Maze had announced on June 18 that he would be resigning from the elected position, citing an upcoming deployment overseas as the reason, which would last more than a year.

However, on June 20, the Department of Justice released information about a fraud trial involving Maze. As a condition of the pretrial diversion, Maze was required to resign from his position as Williamson Co. Circuit Clerk and agreed not to seek re-election to any public office.

In his apology, Maze confirmed he had entered into this pretrial diversion agreement, and that it included his deployment. He also claimed part of the agreement was that no charges would be brought.

According to Maze, he and his counsel were led to believe this information as well as his statement, reviewed and approved by his counsel, would remain private.

Maze said his intention was to protect his family’s reputation, and that he “recognizes and accepts this was a lie by omission.”

“I accept that I am held accountable and face the consequences of my actions from the public,” he said. “I hope to regain your trust in the future.”