5 Cook County workers, 4 MWRD employees accused of PPP fraud [Video]

CHICAGO (CBS) — A new report from Cook County’s inspector general outlines fraud allegations against five county employees and four employees at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District accused of fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans meant to help small businesses during the pandemic.

The office’s quarterly report says one Cook County Health employee filed false statements about a private business she ran to obtain more than $82,000 in PPP loans, and then used the money on personal expenses such as car payments, rent, and groceries.

Another CCH employee got nearly $40,000 in PPP Loans after lying about a home care aide business, and using the money for personal expenses such as car payments, auto insurance loans, utility bills, and day-to-day expense.

A third CCH employee also got nearly $40,000 in PPP loans after making false claims about her private business, and spending the money on home renovations and a new garage.

A county …