Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Mar. 13 that a Cook County woman was found guilty of stealing more than $100,000 from her late mother’s Chicago Teachers Pension Fund.
The case highlights the risks faced by pension funds and the importance of safeguarding benefits for retirees and their families. The Illinois Attorney General has advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors, according to the official website.
Atara Young, 55, of Chicago, was found guilty by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Alfredo Maldonado of one count of misappropriation of financial institution property—a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison—and one count of forgery—a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Following the verdict, Young was taken into custody at the Cook County Jail and will remain there until her sentencing hearing scheduled for April 27.
“It is disappointing that an immediate family member would take advantage of a family member’s death to gain access to their loved one’s hard-earned pension,” Raoul said. “I will continue to hold those who commit these crimes accountable for lining their own pockets using stolen funds.”
The Attorney General’s office prosecuted the case after receiving a referral from the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund. Investigators determined that Shirleen Williams’ death in September 2008 was not reported to the fund, resulting in continued monthly pension deposits into Williams’ account—an account only accessible by her daughter Atara Young. Between October 2008 and July 2018, Young used Williams’ credit card and paid off invoices with Williams’ bank account. From 2014 to 2016, she also wrote personal checks to herself from her mother’s account, signing them as Williams. By July 2018, all funds deposited since Williams’ death had been spent.
Assistant Attorney General Samantha Cain prosecuted the case for Raoul’s Special Prosecutions unit. The Illinois Attorney General handles thousands of consumer complaints each year and aims to protect consumers while promoting safer communities and advocating for environmental and rights issues according to its official website. The office extends advocacy efforts across Illinois and partners with law enforcement agencies to support crime victims and promote open government as reported by its official website. Services offered include complaint filing for consumer fraud and civil rights.