Chicago - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a couple from Roselle, Illinois, alleging that they fraudulently received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans while collecting federal disability benefits and working for the U.S. Postal Service.
Raoul expressed concern over the alleged misuse of federal assistance programs. "It is shameful that two federal employees would take advantage of the federal COVID-era assistance programs intended to help small businesses and unemployed Americans survive the pandemic," he stated. He emphasized his commitment to holding public workers accountable for misusing these critical programs.
The Attorney General's office has filed multiple charges against Genesis Sherrod, 46, including theft of government property by deception, theft by deception, loan fraud, forgery, and income tax fraud. These charges range from Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison to Class 4 felonies with potential three-year sentences.
Randall Walker, 55, faces similar charges including theft by deception, loan fraud, forgery, and income tax fraud. The penalties range from seven years for Class 2 felonies to three years for Class 4 felonies.
Both Sherrod and Walker are scheduled to appear in court on April 21. Sentences will be determined by the court if they are convicted.
According to Raoul's office, both individuals were on disability leave when they applied for PPP loans using false claims of owning non-existent businesses. In 2021, Sherrod allegedly obtained $49,999 while Walker received $41,666 through fraudulent applications without disclosing these loans on their benefit forms.
The case stems from a referral made by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Special Agent-in-Charge Dennus Bishop commented on the matter: "Today’s charges send a clear message that workers compensation and the abuse of the Cares Act are crimes which carry serious consequences."
This case is part of broader efforts by Raoul's office to address fraudulent claims related to pandemic assistance programs. Several individuals have been prosecuted for PPP loan fraud as part of this initiative.
Assistant Attorney General Haley Bookhout is handling the prosecution for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.