CPD sergeant invented fake bakery to steal $41,662 in COVID relief money, feds say – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Chicago – Federal prosecutors have charged a Chicago Police Department sergeant with wire fraud after she allegedly secured more than $41,000 in pandemic relief loans for a nonexistent bakery. The case highlights ongoing efforts to recover funds misused during the height of COVID-19 aid programs. Brandi Wright, 44, faces scrutiny for applications that prosecutors say included fabricated details about business operations and finances.
The Heart of the Allegations
Wright submitted two Paycheck Protection Program loan applications in 2021, each for $20,831, totaling $41,662. Prosecutors contend the bakery she claimed to own never existed. The filings reportedly misrepresented gross revenue, payroll requirements, and operational costs to qualify for the forgivable loans.
Instead of using the money for legitimate business purposes, Wright allegedly diverted it elsewhere. As a CPD sergeant, she earned $142,688 the previous year, a detail that underscores the personal financial context behind the charges. Federal authorities unsealed the indictment recently, marking a significant step in addressing pandemic-era financial misconduct.
Renewed Federal Push Against COVID Fraud
U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has instructed his office to intensify investigations into COVID-19 related fraud, with a focus on federal benefits and entitlements. This directive comes amid revelations of widespread abuse in programs like the PPP, designed to support struggling businesses during lockdowns.
The timing of Wright’s charges aligns closely with a Chicago Office of Inspector General report from three weeks prior. That document detailed nine concluded investigations into police officers who fraudulently obtained PPP loans. One case mirrored Wright’s situation precisely: an officer approved for forgiveness on two loans totaling $41,666.
CPD Grapples with Internal Misconduct
The OIG report prompted swift preliminary action from the Chicago Police Department. Officials agreed to discharge eight implicated officers and add them to the city’s do-not-hire list. A ninth officer resigned during the probe after allegedly securing two fraudulent PPP loans worth $41,666 before joining CPD.
Investigators found that this individual submitted false documents for loan forgiveness, misrepresented facts during the hiring process, and skipped a scheduled OIG interview. CPD committed to barring that person from future employment as well. These measures reflect a concerted effort to root out dishonesty within the ranks.
What matters now: At least nine CPD personnel face consequences for PPP misuse, signaling zero tolerance amid federal oversight.
Parallel Case Involving City Hall
Beyond the police department, the OIG flagged a 10th instance involving an aldermanic staffer. This employee allegedly obtained $20,833 through fraudulent PPP applications and subsequent forgiveness requests. To conceal the scheme, the staffer filed a false police report claiming identity theft and lodged a similar complaint with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Investigators confronted the staffer, who denied involvement in the loan process. The OIG urged the supervising alderman to terminate the employee and prohibit future city work. The alderman’s response arrived late and remained noncommittal, stating only that the issues were being addressed seriously with steps to ensure policy compliance.
These developments paint a picture of systemic vulnerabilities exploited during the pandemic. As probes continue, they serve as a reminder of the long shadow cast by emergency aid programs. Accountability measures now aim to prevent repeats, bolstering public trust in both law enforcement and municipal operations.
