(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A former social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) — and 14 others — were charged in a multi-million dollar fraud case.
Federal prosecutors said former Community Social Service planner Shauntele Pridgeon organized the scheme, in which she approved people to be paid as foster care providers.
Over a six-year period, she allegedly sent $3.2 million in DCFS funds to 14 people in Chicago and the suburbs even though they were not caring for any foster children.
In the 41-count indictment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said the co-defendants then paid Pridgeon $1.6 million in bribes and kickbacks.
The 54-year-old Chicago woman was accused of using kickback money for personal expenses, including to cover gamble losses at a Hammond casino.
Officials said most of the defendants were arrested Wednesday and have begun making appearances in federal court in Chicago.
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