ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OBTAINS RESTITUTION IN CASE AGAINST FORMER STATE EMPLOYEE WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO PPP LOAN FRAUD

ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OBTAINS RESTITUTION IN CASE AGAINST FORMER STATE EMPLOYEE WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO PPP LOAN FRAUD

October 15, 2025

Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Chicago woman was sentenced to pay more than $40,000 in restitution for stealing thousands of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic by falsely claiming that she owned a business while employed by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Kimberly Dale, 53, of Chicago, was sentenced today by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Walton after pleading guilty to a Class 2 felony charge of theft by deception. Along with restitution, Dale was sentenced to 24 months of second chance probation. If she does not pay the full restitution by the end of her probation, Dale could face jail time.

"Federal assistance programs were vital for the survival of countless small businesses during the height of 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 Office of Executive Inspector General.

Dale was employed by the Illinois Department of Human Services when she applied for and received two PPP loans by falsely stating she operated three businesses separately from her state employment. She received the loans, totaling approximately $40,050, in August 2020 and February 2021. Dale also applied for and received loan forgiveness for both loans.

This plea is the most recent action Attorney General Raoul has taken to hold individuals accountable for fraudulently collecting government assistance related to the pandemic. Raoul's office has prosecuted a number of individuals for PPP loan fraud and referred other investigations to the appropriate state's attorneys for further evaluation.

Assistant Attorney General Tori Whitman prosecuted the case for Raoul's Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau.