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Flowers offices raided, officials storm
residence
July 2, 2009
The office of Charles Flowers, Cook County regional superintendent
of schools, was raided this morning.
Flowers, put on the Democrat’s ballot by Proviso Township
Committeeman Karen Yarbrough, has been accused of using county
money on personal vacations for himself and family members on the
payroll. He was the subject in late June of an audit by the states
Auditor General.
The 700 plus page audit said Flowers used his school district credit
card to pay for airline tickets, a vehicle, furniture and cash advances
for himself and other family members. Flowers said he repaid the
money, but auditors said they could not verify that or locate the
vehicle or furniture.
Flowers' office borrowed $190,000 from the county to help pay a
nearly half-million-dollar deficit, but auditors said they did not see
how the loan could be repaid.
Law enforcement officials seized computers, hard drives and
documents from the agency's Westchester office,
Also on Wednesday allegedly officials showed up at Flower’s
residence and arrested him, according to neighbors in a report to the
West Suburban Journal.
Cook County Commissioners were due to consider resolutions calling
on Flowers to resign and asking the state to abolish the office
altogether.
- Kevin Williams
residence
July 2, 2009
The office of Charles Flowers, Cook County regional superintendent
of schools, was raided this morning.
Flowers, put on the Democrat’s ballot by Proviso Township
Committeeman Karen Yarbrough, has been accused of using county
money on personal vacations for himself and family members on the
payroll. He was the subject in late June of an audit by the states
Auditor General.
The 700 plus page audit said Flowers used his school district credit
card to pay for airline tickets, a vehicle, furniture and cash advances
for himself and other family members. Flowers said he repaid the
money, but auditors said they could not verify that or locate the
vehicle or furniture.
Flowers' office borrowed $190,000 from the county to help pay a
nearly half-million-dollar deficit, but auditors said they did not see
how the loan could be repaid.
Law enforcement officials seized computers, hard drives and
documents from the agency's Westchester office,
Also on Wednesday allegedly officials showed up at Flower’s
residence and arrested him, according to neighbors in a report to the
West Suburban Journal.
Cook County Commissioners were due to consider resolutions calling
on Flowers to resign and asking the state to abolish the office
altogether.
- Kevin Williams
Related stories:
Committeeman’s school
boss scores “F”
May 2009
State’s top auditor calls for
investigation of Dem.
Committeeman’s chief
education pick
June 2009
Committeeman’s school
boss scores “F”
May 2009
State’s top auditor calls for
investigation of Dem.
Committeeman’s chief
education pick
June 2009