By Terry James

CHICAGO – Former McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorenson has struck a plea agreement with the federal government.

He was in Chicago Federal Court Wednesday afternoon.

Sorensen was indicted on federal charges accusing him of fraud, along with co-defendent Navdeep Arora that accused the two of filing fraudulent invoices to several clients, including State Farm in Bloomington, charging them over $890,000 in unearned consulting fees.

Sorenson is pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and will be responsible for paying back nearly $250,000 in restitution. Sorenson faces up to 20 years behind bars. A sentencing hearing will be held in March. The prosecutor will likely make a sentencing recommendation.

Arora worked with an outside consulting firm, McKinsey and Co., while Sorensen worked as internal consultant for State Farm. The indictment accuses Sorensen of keeping at least $400,000 in consulting fees after the two created a couple shell companies called “Gabriel Solutions” and “Andy’s BCB.”

Sorenson was originally charged with five counts of wire fraud.

Arora entered a not guilty plea and a trial date will be set after results from a mental health evaluation are completed. Arora’s attorney claims the results will affect the outcome of his court proceedings, showing Arora may not have been able to perpetrate fraud.

Sorenson may have to testify at Arora’s trial.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].