Cook County Finance Subcommittee on Litigation Meeting - April 15, 2026

This meeting of the Finance Subcommittee on Litigation of the Cook County Board of Commissioners was called to order at 10:00 a.m. on April 15, 2026. The subcommittee addressed public comments, received the quarterly report from the Office of Independent Inspector General (OIIG), and voted on several items. The meeting also briefly called to order three other committees (Transportation, Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations, and Veterans) which immediately recessed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Taiwan Sims addressed the committee regarding case number 23D 79597, an order of protection case involving Alberta Reed that later evolved into other cases. He expressed frustration that after multiple appearances before the committee over three years, he had received no follow-up or remedy despite providing documentation of procedural issues involving the Bureau of Internal Affairs, COPA, and CCPSA. He asked the committee to explain why no action had been taken and requested direct assistance from the litigation representative. Commissioner Sean Morrison clarified that public comment is not a time for dialogue and suggested the speaker schedule an appointment with commissioners.

Discussion Items

• OIIG Quarterly Report (Item 260691): Inspector General Terrell Paxton presented the OIIG quarterly report for the fourth quarter of 2025 (October 1 – December 31, 2025). Key statistics included: 208 complaints received (down from 226 the previous quarter), 47 complaints referred to management or outside agencies (down from 62), and 20 investigations completed (up from 16). Of the 20 completed investigations, 18 involved fraudulent PPP loans by Cook County employees (all sustained), one was for the Clerk’s Office, and one for the Medical Examiner’s Office. The OIIG recommended termination for those employees, but noted the Clerk’s Office does not have an ineligible-for-rehire list. Additionally, a review of the Clerk’s vital records division identified customer service issues; recommendations were accepted. A separate investigation found a CCH employee on long-term disability had abandoned their job, and management failed to timely discipline; termination and manager discipline were recommended. The OIIG also noted a delinquent response from the Assessor’s Office (IG 22-0125) but stated the response had been received and would be addressed in the next report.
• Commissioner Questions and Comments:
  • Commissioner Sean Morrison expressed dismay that less than 1% of fraudulent PPP loan cases involving government employees have been prosecuted, contrasting with private sector prosecutions. He urged the Inspector General to press the U.S. Attorney’s Office, State’s Attorney, and Attorney General for prosecutions. He also noted that many loan amounts were clustered around $19,000, $21,000, $9,500, or $19,500, suggesting organized fraud. He called for a uniform “do not rehire” list across all county agencies.
  • Commissioner Moore asked about unfounded allegations and whether cleared individuals receive documentation. The Inspector General stated that names are not released if no discipline is levied. Moore also raised concerns about subcontractors (MBEs) being mistreated by prime contractors and suggested they file complaints with OIIG.
  • Commissioner Daly asked about the number of cases referred to the State’s Attorney and what percentage were prosecuted. The Inspector General confirmed that of the 100 sustained investigations, all were referred, but the prosecution rate was very low (approximately zero so far).
  • Commissioner Stamps asked how many PPP cases remain on the docket; the Inspector General indicated they expect to wrap up investigations in the next few quarters.
• Assessor’s Office Delinquent Response: Counsel Tasha Gibbons stated that the Assessor’s Office had submitted its response to IG 22-0125, acknowledging the delay but noting that the investigation was completed and the response was sent the previous week.

Key Outcomes

• The committee voted unanimously to receive and file Item 260691, the OIIG fourth quarter 2025 report (motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Stamps).
• The committee voted unanimously to receive and file Item 261155, the case disposition summary for advice, transaction, and complex litigation, labor and appointment, and medical litigation (motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Degnan).
• The committee voted unanimously to approve Items 261156 (as amended by errata), 261169, 261170, and 261171 (motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Marita).
• The committee voted unanimously to receive and file Items 261172 and 261178 (motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Degnan).
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 a.m. (motion by Vice Chair Lowry, seconded by Commissioner Trevor).

Note: During the meeting, the Chair briefly called to order the Transportation Committee at 10:30 a.m., the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee at 10:45 a.m., and the Veterans Committee at 11:00 a.m., but each committee immediately recessed without conducting business.