Chicago's Inspector General Deborah Witzburg's final report reveals city employees drinking on job, falsifying work hours
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO — A recent investigation by Chicago’s inspector general has uncovered several violations among city employees, including incidents of drinking while on duty and falsifying their work hours.

As her tenure draws to a close next week, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reflects on the challenges and importance of her role, acknowledging the difficulties and rewards inherent in her work.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“This job has been both more rewarding and exciting and much harder than I anticipated,” Witzburg remarked.

Witzburg has chosen not to pursue a second four-year term and will be stepping down from her position soon.

She expresses confidence that she is leaving the office in a stronger state than when she arrived, crediting new legislation passed by the City Council aimed at safeguarding the office’s independence.

“We are working towards building a city government that better reflects what Chicagoans deserve,” Witzburg stated.

RELATED: Chicago police not consistent about stripping powers from officers under investigation: OIG report

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.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Influencer’s safari getaway turns deadly days after proposal as police question fiancé, family demands answers

Mystery Deepens: Influencer’s Body Returns from Safari Trip Amid Missing Ring and Fiancé’s Questions

This article contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know…
Everything you need to know about the explosive Musk Vs OpenAI trial

Comprehensive Insights into the High-Stakes Musk Vs. OpenAI Trial

In what might be the most chaotic legal battle artificial intelligence has…
King Charles highlights US-UK bond in speech to Congress noting 'times of great uncertainty'

King Charles Strengthens US-UK Alliance Amid Global Uncertainty in Historic Congress Address

WASHINGTON — King Charles III addressed the U.S. Congress, acknowledging “times of…
South Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to 7 years for charges including resisting arrest

Former South Korean President Yoon Receives 7-Year Sentence for Resisting Arrest and Corruption Charges

A South Korean appeals court handed down a seven-year prison sentence to…

Mamdani Labels Missed Deadline a ‘Historic’ Crisis, Seeks State Bailout Amid Collectivism Debate

New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has made…
Person threatening to jump freezes 101 Freeway traffic for hours as SWAT and LAPD descend

SWAT and LAPD Respond to Crisis: 101 Freeway Traffic Halted for Hours Amidst Jump Threat

Late Tuesday night, the 101 Freeway through downtown Los Angeles remained closed…
Video shows someone in KKK robes walking through Rhode Island town

Shocking Footage: Individual in KKK Robes Spotted Strolling Through Rhode Island Town Sparks Outrage

A chilling incident has emerged from a tranquil town in Rhode Island,…
Truck driver involved in tragic Honeymoon deaths got his license in 'Newsom’s California’ 

Tragic Honeymoon Incident: Truck Driver’s License Tied to California Policies Sparks Controversy

An Oregon crash involving a truck driver who is an undocumented immigrant…
Heart-stopping video shows middle schoolers saving their bus after driver passes out at the wheel

Heroic Middle Schoolers Take the Wheel: Dramatic Rescue as Bus Driver Collapses

A dramatic video from a Mississippi school bus reveals the quick-thinking actions…
Trump will host hero astronauts of NASA's groundbreaking Artemis II mission at White House

Trump Welcomes NASA’s Artemis II Astronauts to the White House for Historic Celebration

President Trump is set to welcome the four astronauts from the Artemis…
Reagan shooter calls link to Washington hotel ‘spooky’ after alleged Trump assassination attempt at same site

Reagan Shooter Comments on Eerie Connection to Washington Hotel After Latest Incident

John Hinckley Jr., known for his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan,…
Alleged Trump assassination plot: Analysis shows 1 in 5 left-wing posts cry hoax, admin shreds ‘moron’ claims

Unveiling the Truth: 20% of Left-Wing Posts Dismiss Trump Assassination Plot as Hoax – An In-Depth Analysis

Conspiracy theories surge after WHCA dinner attack Fox News anchors John Roberts…