Fraud, Drinking, and Misconduct Uncovered in Chicago City Agencies

Inspector general finds O'Hare Airport workers drinking on the job, CPD employees committing PPP fraud

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A new report from the Chicago Inspector General's office has uncovered a range of misconduct and fraud by city employees, including O'Hare Airport workers drinking on the job, Chicago Police Department employees scamming federal COVID-19 relief funds, and a former mayor's office staffer attempting to steer millions in improper payments to a city contractor.

Why it matters

These findings highlight a troubling pattern of abuse of public trust and misuse of taxpayer dollars by some city workers. The report raises concerns about oversight, accountability, and the need for stronger internal controls and disciplinary measures to address wrongdoing within Chicago's government agencies.

The details

The inspector general's report found that eight O'Hare Airport employees were caught drinking alcohol while on the clock, including at a party thrown by an off-duty coworker. Supervisors were aware of the drinking but did nothing. Additionally, six other aviation workers were investigated for incompetence, theft of city property, and lying during the probe. The report also uncovered that nine current or former Chicago Police Department employees illegally obtained between $20,000 and $41,000 each in Paycheck Protection Program loans intended for small businesses affected by the pandemic. A former mayor's office staffer was also accused of trying to steer $9.6 million in improper payments to a city contractor, potentially as a payback for getting the staffer's child a job with the contractor.

  • The inspector general's report was released on April 15, 2026.
  • The inspector general, Deborah Witzburg, is set to step down from her position later this month when her term ends.

The players

Deborah Witzburg

The Chicago Inspector General whose office conducted the investigations and released the quarterly report.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot

The current mayor of Chicago, whose administration Witzburg has accused of blocking the inspector general's access to information.

Chicago Department of Aviation

The city agency that employed the workers found to be drinking on the job, seven of whom were terminated and four others disciplined.

Chicago Police Department

The city agency that employed nine workers found to have committed Paycheck Protection Program fraud, all of whom the inspector general recommended be fired.

Chicago City Council

One city council employee was also found to have committed PPP fraud, according to the report.

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What they’re saying

“These are people who are supposed to be on the clock, working at the airports, and instead they are drinking at bars nearby.”

— Deborah Witzburg, Chicago Inspector General

“You don't get to both defraud the government and work for the government.”

— Deborah Witzburg, Chicago Inspector General

“Listen, I'm committed to having an open process. There's nothing about my administration that has been surreptitious in any form.”

— Mayor Lori Lightfoot

What’s next

The Chicago Board of Ethics is expected to review the inspector general's findings regarding the former mayor's office staffer and determine if they will impose a fine of up to $20,000.

The takeaway

These troubling revelations from the inspector general's office underscore the need for stronger oversight, accountability, and disciplinary measures within Chicago's city government to prevent abuse of public trust and misuse of taxpayer funds. The incoming administration will face pressure to address these issues and restore confidence in the integrity of city operations.