By Dane Placko, FOX 32 News Investigative Reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
FOX Chicago News was on the scene Wednesday as police responded to a 911 call from Obama campaign staffers, reporting the theft of three checks totaling $50,000. A Dolton man has been charged in connection to the incident.
Willard Elam, of the 1500 block of S. Drexel Ave, faces one count of continuing a financial crimes enterprise. The 48-year-old deposited one of the checks at a TCF account in South Holland on Sept. 13.
FOX Chicago broke the story Wednesday, when the checks were reported stolen. The checks were made out to vendors – not campaign contributions - who had supplied services to Obama for America, but were apparently stolen as they were being mailed out of the office in the Prudential Plaza complex.
According to police, Elam used his own information to set up fake accounts, and deposited the $23,839.80 check - with the legitimate vendor's name on it - into the phony account.
Chicago police have apprehended one other man in connection to the theft, and are searching for a third participant.
That person also used his information to open a false account at a TCF Bank branch in Dolton on Sept. 12, according to police. He deposited another check stolen from Obama's campaign offices. The amount of that check is unknown.
The caper in the president's hometown comes as he prepares to fly to Milwaukee tomorrow for a major campaign appearance.
A spokesman for the campaign had no comment on the arrests. But a source said none of the three suspects had any connection to the president's re-election efforts.
Elam will appear in bond court on Saturday. Chicago police are continuing the investigation.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
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A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
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Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
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