Check to Stroger Aide Cashed Within An Hour - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

It took nearly two years for Cook County to get a state grant money to help victims of a 2008 flood, but it only took two days to pay some of that money to a consulting company hired to publicize the grant.

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ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:

STORY: Contract: Stroger Aide Steered Money to Her Own Company

STORY: Todd Stroger Employee's Firm Awarded County Contract

LINK: Documents outlining the CGC contract

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The company - CGC Communications - is owned by Todd Stroger's deputy chief of staff Carla Oglesby.

"When we think about government contracting, a 48 hour turnaround time is just unheard of," said government watchdog Cindy Canary.

Canary said the deal for CGC Communications was done without approval from the County Board because it was what's called a "24-9." That is the nickname among insiders for contracts just under the $25,000 threshold that requires approval.

"This contract was just a wisker below the reporting level. It was set at that level to avoid scrutiny," she said.

"The scrutiny it's getting right now is incredibly important because it clearly looks unethical and it really is quite questionable as to what was going on here why in 2010 we had to fast-track a contract for floods that occurred in 2008."

FOX Chicago News obtained a copy of the contract that shows Oglesby directly involved in a deal that put money into her own business.

"This is a clear violation of the Cook County ethics ordinance if in fact these allegations are proven to be true," said Cook County commissioner Tony Peraica.

According to the contract, Oglesby signed the voucher certifying the services were needed and the check was delivered directly to her in the Todd Stroger's office.

"That in itself is suspect," said Canary. "The fact that the check was delivered to her county office - put in her hand - as opposed to the place of business it's just a little a little hinky."

Within an hour, that check was cashed at a Bank of America branch down the street from the county building.

Canary said this leaves her with so many more questions.

"A contract like this that kind of slips under the radar under the wire - there should be some documentation here," she said.

"Why this company? Why not another company? Why did we need to issue this contract? Why was it so important and why now?"

The county's inspector general has launched an investigation into the contract.

FOX Chicago News made repeated calls to county officials involved with the issusing of the CGC contract, but no one would comment.