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
Missing Oklahoma Senate candidate Barry Christian found dead in rural area

Tragic Discovery: Missing Oklahoma Senate Candidate Barry Christian Found Deceased in Rural Location

Authorities and news reports have confirmed that the body of a missing…
Kentucky Derby history: Secretariat's victory helped catapult him into iconic status

Secretariat’s Legendary Kentucky Derby Triumph: How One Race Solidified an Icon’s Legacy

Secretariat’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack, becoming a cultural icon that…
Chicago couple trying to get deposit back for wedding venue after Great Central Brewing Company in West Town closes suddenly

Chicago Couple Fights for Wedding Venue Refund After Unexpected Closure of Great Central Brewing Company in West Town

A couple from Chicago is facing a dilemma as they attempt to…
Iran eyeing mine-carrying dolphins to attack US warships in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Strategic Shift: Utilizing Mine-Carrying Dolphins Against US Warships in the Strait of Hormuz

Reports suggest that Iran is contemplating deploying dolphins equipped with mines to…
Riot erupts over Australian Indigenous girl's suspected killer

Massive Unrest Erupts in Australia Following Arrest in Indigenous Girl’s Murder Case

In a remote Australian town, tensions flared as hundreds of protesters clashed…
Suspect arrested for allegedly running meth lab at Michigan State University’s largest academic building

Michigan State University Shaken as Suspect Arrested for Alleged Meth Lab Operation in Major Academic Building

A clandestine meth lab was allegedly operated at Michigan State University’s Wells…
Make-A-Wish and Disney are making Broadway dreams come true

Make-A-Wish and Disney Collaborate to Bring Broadway Dreams to Life

NEW YORK — For most theatergoers, attending a performance of “Aladdin” on…
Graham Platner: Dems Need to Shut the Trump Administration Down

Graham Platner Urges Democrats to Halt Trump Administration Policies: A Strategic Call to Action

On Thursday’s edition of MS NOW’s “The Briefing,” Democratic Senate hopeful Graham…
Florida high school teacher accused of having sex twice with student on campus

Florida Teacher Scandal: Shocking On-Campus Affair with Student Uncovered

In a troubling development from Port Charlotte, Florida, Heather M. Mashburn-Smith, a…
Domino’s driver runs down customer over tip dispute, caught on camera: police

Shocking Incident: Domino’s Delivery Driver Hits Customer in Tip Dispute Caught on Camera

A routine pizza delivery in Missouri took a shocking turn when a…
Trump weighs cabinet appointment for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Could Governor Ron DeSantis Be the Next Star in Trump’s Cabinet? Breaking Down the Potential Appointment

On Friday, former President Donald Trump hinted that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis…
Amazon driver urinated on Pomona driveway after completing delivery

Amazon Driver Caught Urinating on Pomona Driveway Post-Delivery Sparks Outrage

An Amazon driver delivered more than just packages to a resident in…