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This week, Raoul issued a series of news releases, including his
office's role in lawsuits against Walmart and Google bringing
the state millions of dollars in settlements. Several other news
releases have been about actions his office is taking to file
criminal charges on behalf of the people of Illinois.
One dealt with Michael Sullivan of Griffith, Indiana, entering a
negotiated guilty plea for illegally importing catfish to
Illinois.
Thursday, Raoul announced charges against Kaquanice Larry of Mt.
Prospect for filing unemployment benefits with the state using
stolen identities, receiving about $75,000 and about $40,000 of
Paycheck Protection Program loans in the name of fictitious
companies. Whitney Flowers of Glen Ellyn had previously been
charged in the scheme. Both face several felony charges with up
to 15 years in prison if convicted.
“The charges are the most recent resulting from the Attorney
General’s Task Force on Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud’s
monthslong investigation into unemployment insurance benefits
fraud,” Raoul’s office said in a news release. “The task force
is aimed at enhancing collaborations between state and federal
agencies investigating and prosecuting forms of unemployment
benefits fraud.”
There were six other cases Raoul’s office said he’s previously
charged in similar schemes totaling more than $266,000.
Raoul secured reelection in last week’s election over Republican
challenger Thomas DeVore and Libertarian Dan Robin. Raoul’s
critics said the incumbent wasn’t doing enough to go after fraud
and official misconduct cases like state lawmakers already
facing federal corruption charges.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and
other issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of
award-winning broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning
Newsfeed out of Springfield.
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