WILLIAMSON COUNTY — A former Southern Illinois prosecutor has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge that could land him in prison.

A guilty plea was filed Thursday in the United States District Court Southern District of Illinois in a case against former Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti that accuses him of one count of false entry in bank records.

According to court documents, a penalty for this charge could carry jail time and a fine. However, the sentencing recommendation is a term of probation for Zanotti.

The charge stems from a transaction involving several commercial rental properties and a local bank.

Zanotti is due to be sentenced in the U.S. Federal Court in Benton on May 15, 2024.