A one-time top aide in the Illinois Department of Public Health has been indicted for bribery and taking kickbacks.
Prosecutors allege that when Quinshaunta Golden was Chief of Staff at the agency, she routed contracts toward certain organizations. She then allegedly arranged to get back more than $400,000 for herself.
At the time, President Barack Obama's friend Eric Whitaker was the agency's director.
James Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, emphasized there is no chance of the investigation leading to a connection with Obama.
And although he refrained from absolving Whitaker, Lewis repeatedly said there is no information to show Whitaker was aware of the wrongdoing.
“We really don't comment on it beyond saying investigations continue,” Lewis said. “But the point, I think that you're after, is that the evidence takes us to her. It does not take us further.”
Golden, who lives in Homewood, is also charged with mail fraud and obstruction of justice.
It's the latest in an ongoing investigation into state grants and contracts carried out by a public corruption task force.
Prosecutors say thirteen people have been indicted who collectively misused $16 million.
