ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OBTAINS GUILTY PLEA IN CASE AGAINST FORMER ILLINOIS TOLLWAY EMPLOYEE WHO STOLE FROM THE STATE

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OBTAINS GUILTY PLEA IN CASE AGAINST FORMER ILLINOIS TOLLWAY EMPLOYEE WHO STOLE FROM THE STATE

September 11, 2025

Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Cook County man was sentenced to pay more nearly $50,000 in restitution for stealing thousands of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic by falsely claiming that he owned a business while employed by the Illinois Tollway.

Marcus Smith, 46 of Bellwood, Illinois, was sentenced today by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Stanley Sacks after pleading guilty to a Class 1 felony charge of theft of governmental property. Along with restitution, Smith was also sentenced to 24 months of second chance probation. If he does not pay the full restitution by the end of his probation, Smith could face jail time.

"I am pleased we are holding an individual accountable for taking advantage of assistance programs intended for struggling business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic," Raoul said. "I will continue to ensure taxpayers receive justice when individuals, especially government workers, exploit critical aid programs to benefit themselves and their bank accounts."

The case was referred to the Attorney General's office by the Illinois Tollway - Office of the Inspector General.

Smith was employed by the Illinois Tollway when he applied for two PPP loans and falsely stated he was the sole employee of a business he owned and operated. He received the loans in 2021, which totaled approximately $49,999. The investigation conducted by the Attorney General's office also determined that in June 2021 Smith fraudulently applied for and received the proceeds of a rent relief grant worth approximately $18,950 by claiming his tenant did not pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tenant was Smith's family member who also received $9,500 of the funds.

Deputy Bureau Chief Jonas Harger prosecuted the case for Raoul's Public Integrity Bureau.