A Tale of Two Cities

Sounds an awful lot like the Life Education scandal right here in Elmhurst. How much do you have to embezzle from a taxpayer funded charity in Dupage County before it is considered a criminal offense?

See today's Sun-Times story about Chicago's Genesis House (a women's shelter)

"Two top executives may have embezzled $100,000 or more from a Chicago charity that serves prostitutes trying to straighten out their lives, sources have told the Sun-Times.

Genesis House funds are suspected of being used to pay for vacations to the Bahamas, trips across the United States and car payments for a 2004 Cadillac, the sources said."

***

"Both executives are suspected of depositing Genesis House funds in their personal bank accounts, one source said."

Sun-Times, April 15, 2006

George Ryan's Elmhurst Connection

Based on news reports Director David Noffs embezzled approximately $700,000. Did Noffs and Yehudah spend all of the money or did they route it back to their friends? Link to related post, March 30, 2006

"Life Education Center leveraged its political ties to obtain more than $4 million in state grants since 1996, even though a 1995 state audit of earlier grants found "serious and significant" violations of state accounting rules. The governor's son, George Jr., once served as an assistant national director for the group and its insurance broker." 2 Accused in scheme at pork-rich charities


"The civil complaint, which will be filed in Cook County Circuit Court, also will name Yesse Ben Yehudah, a donor to Gov. George Ryan and a former charity board member who allegedly participated in a kickback scheme with Noffs." Jim Ryan to file civil suit against ex-charity officials

Charity Director Under Fire