Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s Concluding Report Unveils On-the-Job Alcohol Use and Timesheet Fraud Among City Employees

CHICAGO (WLS) — A recent investigation by Chicago’s inspector general has uncovered several violations, including instances of city workers consuming alcohol during work hours and fabricating time records.

As she prepares to depart from her role next week, Deborah Witzburg expressed her dedication to the office’s mission, acknowledging that the work can be challenging and complex, yet crucial.

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“This role has been far more rewarding and exciting than I ever imagined, but also more difficult,” Witzburg remarked.

Witzburg’s tenure as inspector general is concluding, as she has opted not to pursue another four-year term.

She believes she is leaving the office in a stronger position than when she started, attributing this to new legislation from the City Council that bolsters its autonomy.

“We are trying to build a city government that more closely resembles the one Chicagoans deserve,” Witzburg said.

That means turning a lens on city government, as the city’s top watchdog.

Witzburg says the office’s work has not been welcomed by the Johnson administration, which she says has demonstrated hostility to oversight.

“During this administration we have seen what I think is a pattern of decisions to challenge, disempower and to obstruct the work of this office,” Witzburg said.

In a response, a spokesperson said Mayor Brandon Johnson remains committed to transparency and ethical governance.

This follows Witzburg’s final report as inspector general that found four officers failed to properly investigate after a vehicle driven by a Chicago Fire Department employee struck and killed an individual. It also found several police officers allegedly scammed COVID-era relief funds and several Department of Aviation employees were drinking on the job.

“That investigation revealed alcohol consumption on city time, falsification, failure to report misconduct, shady statements to the OIG,” Witzburg said.

Witzburg’s last day is next Friday. She says an interim inspector general will likely be appointed, while the process gets underway to identify her successor.