FBI raids Cook County human resources bureau

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

Setting off an instant political furor, FBI agents Thursday raided the offices where Cook County keeps records of hiring for government positions, an FBI spokeswoman said.

Agents executed a search warrant at 9 a.m. at Cook County's Bureau of Human Resources, the spokeswoman said.

The search was part of an ongoing investigation, she said. She declined to say what the investigation was about.

Federal prosecutors have said they are investigating hiring practices at the state level.


The early-morning raid on the 8th floor of the County Building quickly drew political attention.

Tony Percaica, the GOP candidate for County Board president in the Nov. 7 election, said federal agents are carting away "boxes and boxes" of personnel records, and clearly investigating misconduct during the tenure of recently resigned board President John Stroger. Mr. Stroger's son, Todd, is running to succeed him.

"I believe there's a conspiracy here to violate not only the (anti-patronage) Shakeman Decree but criminal statutues," Mr. Peraica said.

The GOP nominee said he believes the FBI specifically is probing reports that county job tests were rigged to favor residents of the Strogers' home 8th Ward.

Spokesmen for Todd Stroger and Interim County President Bobbie Steele declined immediate comment.

Cook County's Bureau of Human Resources coordinates all human resource activities for the departments under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Board, including the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

For those of you who don't know,Cook County is a county where someone has to be a registered Democrat to get a county job.This has to be one of the biggest racketeering scams in America today.