Defendant, who was deputy chief of staff for former president of Cook County board of commissioners, was found guilty, after bench trial, of 2 counts of theft, 1 count of money laundering, and 1 count of unlawful stringing of bids. State presented sufficient evidence that Defendant intended to permanently deprive county of use and benefit of its funds, that she obtained or exerted unauthorized control over funds, and that she engaged in deception. Because both theft convictions were carved from same act, one conviction must be vacated under one-act, one-crime doctrine. State sufficiently proved that Defendant received kickback from a vendor that was disguised as a legitimate transaction between 2 companies. State presented ample evidence that Defendant improperly designated several vendor contracts in a way to avoid a competitive-bidding process, so that preferred vendor would receive contracts without any competition. (McBRIDE and BURKE, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Money Laundering