Criminal charges have been brought against 32 people accused of defrauding the state of unemployment insurance.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security identified the suspects and brought their case to federal prosecutors. As a result 32 people have been indicted, accused of defrauding the state of $874,000.
"The vast majority of people do it right," said IDES spokesman Greg Rivara. "The vast majority of people follow the rules but there are those who don't and we take a particular interest in making sure everyone follows the rules because it is so critical to our economy."
The unemployment insurance program is designed to help families when they need it most. Typically those receiving help make an immediate impact on local economies because the dollars are spent on groceries, gas and other necessities.
Rivara says anyone who suspects unemployment insurance fraud should reach out the IDES at www.ides.illinois.gov.
The accused have addresses in Alsip, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Calumet, Carpentersville, Chicago, Flossmoor, Joliet, Kankakee, LaGrange, Lockport, Matteson, Naperville, Park Forest and Westmont.
(posted 2:41 p.m. 01/24/2013 by Alex Degman)