Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago police sergeant charged with COVID relief fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago police sergeant charged with COVID relief fraud

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – A Chicago police sergeant has been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $41,000 in small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

U.S. government attorneys say Brandi Wright, 44, applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans in 2021 on behalf of a bakery business she claimed to own but did not exist.

CWB: CTA HAMMER SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED THREATS

A man who went viral in March when video circulated of him boarding a Chicago Transit Authority train and threatening people while wielding two hammers was detained last month after he allegedly threatened to kill a Cook County sheriff’s police officer on a train.

CWB Chicago reports that Eric Vinson, 51, of Bartlett, has been arrested at least 49 times since 2015, including twice since the video gained millions of views.

Vinson is charged with threatening a public official for the incident reported on April 19.

LEE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORN DISSEMINATION

A Lee County man has been arrested for dissemination of child pornography. Illinois State Police say they began investigating after they received a cyber tip in January 2026.

ISP special agents arrested Cameron J. Riley, 37, of Amboy, Illinois on Tuesday.

Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTip line.

ILLINOIS PRODUCT FARMERS MARKET OPENS ON THURSDAY

The Illinois Product Farmers Market is scheduled to open for its 19th season Thursday from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture says it will match every dollar spent in Link cash assistance and food benefit cards at the market.

The Illinois Product Farmers Market will be held every Thursday through Sept. 24, excluding Aug. 13, 20, and 27.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

‘We leave no American behind’: President Trump details Easter rescue of downed airman

‘We leave no American behind’: President Trump details Easter rescue of downed airman

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The successful Easter rescue of the downed F-15 airman who went missing in Iran was “one of the largest, most complex, most harrowing” combat search...
Michigan charges dentist in alleged 'massive' Medicaid fraud scheme

Michigan charges dentist in alleged ‘massive’ Medicaid fraud scheme

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues pursuing fraud cases across the state, announcing charges against a Macomb County dentist in what prosecutors described as a...
Illinois bill sparks debate over police privacy vs. public access

Illinois bill sparks debate over police privacy vs. public access

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker and law enforcement officer says a controversial proposal to change how police records...
Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio

Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio

By David BeasleyThe Center Square Sponsors of a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban the construction of any new large data centers in Ohio have cleared another hurdle in getting...
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran's benefits challenge

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear an Army veteran's challenge over reduced disability benefits. The court agreed to hear Johnson v. United...
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to decide whether individuals can carry firearms on public transportation. The court declined to take up Schoenthal v....
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center 'taxed out of business'

Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Sunset Lanes in Pekin is set to close later this month as the bowling center’s owner says it is being “taxed...
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin

By Jon StyfThe Center Square Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor Tom Tiffany said that he will “end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin” if he becomes governor. Tiffany was...
Beecher Graphic.1

Beecher Police Seek $52,500 State Grant to Fund Flock Cameras and Retail Enforcement

Village of Beecher Board of Trustees Meeting | March 23, 2026 Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board authorized Police Chief John Galvin to apply for a $52,500 grant from the...
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposed Illinois bill aimed at addressing firefighter shortages by lowering the minimum hiring age has...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.3

County Board Members Pitch “Granny Flats,” Hobby Farm Zoning, and Farmland Mitigation in LRMP Brainstorm

Will County Board Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | March 26, 2026 Article Summary: During a brainstorming workshop for the county's new Land Resource Management Plan, Will County Board...
Hyundai Translead

Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement for $345 Million Hyundai Translead Project

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a massive $345 million manufacturing project...
Trump issues threat to Iran ahead of deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump issues threat to Iran ahead of deadline to reopen Strait of Hormuz

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump threatened a brutal attack on Iran two days ahead of his deadline for the Islamic Republic to reopen the critical Strait of...
Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen Strait of Hormuz

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square President Trump on Saturday gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz to oil cargo or "all hell will reign down." "Remember...
One year later, analysts say strategic trade preferred over tariffs

One year later, analysts say strategic trade preferred over tariffs

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Analysts and trade experts are calling for the United States to move away from wide-ranging tariffs and embrace strategic trade relationships to counter global adversaries....