By Howard Packowitz
MCLEAN COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – The company that runs Jimmy John’s restaurants in Bloomington-Normal is said to be the victim of a massive theft and money laundering scheme, allegedly committed by a Hanna City man.
A McLean County grand jury indicted 51-year-old Jason Simerly on April 8. He appeared in court April 14 and pleaded not guilty.
25 News reports that charging documents did not indicate how Simerly is connected to Premium Loaves Inc. in Normal, which owns Jimmy John’s in several states.
The money laundering charge alleged that between July 1 of 2024 and April 11 of last year, Simerly made automatic payroll transactions of more than $100,000 in the names of former Premium Loaves employees, then directed the money into his bank accounts.
Simerly is also charged with engaging in a continuing financial crimes enterprise. That charge alleged he committed three or more identity thefts involving a financial institution within an 18-month period, using others’ identifying information to make fraudulent payroll transactions.
Simerly faces seven charges in all, including four Class 1 felonies, which carry possible prison sentences of up to 15 years if he’s found guilty.
All of the charges are non-detainable crimes under Illinois’ SAFE-T-Act, meaning Simerly has been released from the McLean County Jail until the case’s outcome is determined.
Simerly has a pretrial hearing scheduled for June 1 in McLean County Court.
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