Story perspectives

Illinois Lawmakers Call for Corrections Accountability After Audit

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Illinois lawmakers demand accountability from the Department of Corrections after a 40-issue audit.
Corrections Director LaToya Hughes acknowledged the problems, attributing some to union contracts.
The audit identified overtime earned while employees were on paid leave.
The audit found bypassing purchasing rules and failing to notify local police about parolees.
The audit showed mislabeling inmates as violent offenders and a mail-scanning rule that has proved ineffective, with drug discoveries rising.

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Story summary

Illinois lawmakers demand accountability from the Department of Corrections after a 40-issue audit.
Corrections Director LaToya Hughes acknowledged the problems, attributing some to union contracts.
The audit identified overtime earned while employees were on paid leave.
The audit found bypassing purchasing rules and failing to notify local police about parolees.
The audit showed mislabeling inmates as violent offenders and a mail-scanning rule that has proved ineffective, with drug discoveries rising.