Eight additional Chicago police officers are facing recommended dismissal after the City of Chicago Office of Inspector General concluded they fraudulently obtained federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds intended to assist struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the watchdog agency’s latest quarterly report.
According to Inspector General David Glockner’s first quarterly report, the eight officers allegedly made materially false statements on federal loan documents and obtained approximately $282,639 in PPP funds. The Chicago Police Department has preliminarily agreed with the recommendation to terminate the officers and place them on the City’s “do not hire” list.
What the Inspector General Found
The Office of Inspector General reported that:
- Eight Chicago police officers allegedly submitted materially false information to obtain or secure forgiveness of PPP loans.
- The loans totaled approximately $282,639.
- The conduct allegedly violated federal law, involved false statements on government documents, and brought discredit upon the Chicago Police Department.
- The Inspector General recommended termination and placement on the City’s do-not-hire list.
- The Chicago Police Department preliminarily agreed with those recommendations.
The report does not publicly identify the officers, consistent with City of Chicago confidentiality rules governing disciplinary investigations.
Two Officers Resigned During the Investigation
According to the Inspector General’s report, two of the eight officers resigned while the investigation was underway.
The report nevertheless recommends that all eight individuals be placed on the City’s do-not-hire list.
Total Number of Officers Identified Reaches 36
The latest findings build upon previous Inspector General investigations.
Former Inspector General Deborah Witzburg previously issued reports identifying 28 Chicago police officers accused of improperly obtaining PPP funds.
With the addition of the eight newly reported cases, the Inspector General’s office has now identified a total of 36 Chicago police officers allegedly involved in PPP-related misconduct.
Broader Investigation Continues
The quarterly report states that investigators continue reviewing allegations involving dozens of additional city employees, including police personnel, who may have improperly obtained federal pandemic relief funds.
No conclusions have been announced regarding those ongoing investigations.
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Background on the Paycheck Protection Program
The federal Paycheck Protection Program was created under the CARES Act to provide financial assistance to qualifying small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the country, federal investigators have pursued numerous criminal and civil cases involving alleged PPP fraud, including cases involving public employees and law enforcement personnel.
Current Status
- Eight Chicago police officers have been recommended for dismissal by the Office of Inspector General.
- The Chicago Police Department has preliminarily agreed with the termination recommendations.
- Two officers resigned during the investigation.
- The officers’ identities have not been publicly released.
- Investigations involving additional city employees remain ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were the officers criminally charged?
The Inspector General’s report concerns administrative findings and disciplinary recommendations. The report summarized in this article does not state that the eight officers have been criminally charged. Any criminal proceedings would be separate from administrative discipline.
Why were the officers’ names withheld?
The Office of Inspector General stated that the names were not released in accordance with the City’s confidentiality rules governing disciplinary investigations.
How much money was involved?
According to the Inspector General, the eight officers collectively obtained approximately $282,639 in PPP funds through allegedly false loan applications or forgiveness documents.
How many Chicago officers have now been implicated?
According to the Inspector General’s office, 36 Chicago police officers have now been identified across multiple reports involving alleged PPP fraud.
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