Thirty-two area residents face federal charges of fraudulently obtaining thousands of dollars each in unemployment benefits from the state of Illinois.
Those charged either falsely claimed to be unemployed or underreported their income to collect more, according to federal indictments announced Wednesday. Defendants fraudulently received between $19,399 and $38,798 each.
The total loss for the Illinois Department of Employment Security came to nearly $874,000, the U.S. Attorney's office alleged in the separate indictments. Of the defendants, 27 face felony charges of theft of federal funds; and five face misdemeanor fraud charges.
The investigation concluded Jan. 22 and involved the U.S. Attorney's office, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Postal Service.
In each case, restitution is mandatory; the felony charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine, while the misdemeanors carry a maximum of a year in prison and $100,000 fine.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:17:17 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:50:40 GMT
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Canine units were employed Tuesday, in the search for missing University of Chicago student Austin Hudson-Lapore, 20. He was last seen after taking his final exams last Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:19:16 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:17:17 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:46:15 GMT
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
The last several days in Chicago have been especially violent bringing the issue to a "tipping point." More than 50 people have been shot since Friday. But what can be done to stem the violence?
Monday, June 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:54:56 GMT
Duane T. Horton
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:20:23 GMT
A man was murdered Sunday night by someone who struck him in the head, causing him to became impaled on a wrought iron fence in the South Side Burnside neighborhood.
A man was murdered Sunday night by someone who struck him in the head, causing him to became impaled on a wrought iron fence in the South Side Burnside neighborhood.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:55:02 GMT
A woman who was sentenced to death at age 16 for taking part in the torture and murder of a 78-year-old bible studies teacher was released from an Indiana prison Monday. She is now 43.
A woman who was sentenced to death at age 16 for taking part in the torture and murder of a 78-year-old bible studies teacher was released from an Indiana prison Monday. She is now 43.
