By Chicago Times Magazine –

March 5, 2025

A former employee of the Office of the City Clerk (OCC), Barbara Johnson, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of Computer Fraud and Official Misconduct following an investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The plea marks the conclusion of a case that exposed significant theft and abuse of public trust within the City of Chicago’s administrative offices.

Johnson, who faced a four-count indictment from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in November 2023, admitted to stealing $150,000 in cash payments she collected while selling City of Chicago stickers as part of her duties at the OCC. The OIG investigation revealed that Johnson not only pocketed the funds but also manipulated the City’s computer records to cover up her actions, defrauding the municipal government over an unspecified period.

In sentencing, Johnson was ordered to serve 24 months of probation and repay the full $150,000 to the City as restitution.