New Subpoena Issued For Ill. Anti-Violence Program

Federal authorities in Chicago issued a new subpoena seeking records involving Gov. Pat Quinn's troubled anti-violence program, state officials confirmed Tuesday.

The 2010 Neighborhood Recovery Initiative, the subject of a scathing state inspector general's report for mismanagement and misspending, already has been under scrutiny by federal prosecutors in Springfield, the Cook County state's attorney and a legislative commission.
 
The subpoena, dated Aug. 27, was delivered to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the state agency that took over NRI, according to agency spokeswoman Cristin Evans.

The subpoena stemmed from a February special grand jury in Chicago and sought copies of documents, memos and timesheets, among other things, to be delivered for a panel meeting Sept. 4.
 
Evans said federal officials in Chicago now have the records and, "the requirements of the subpoena have been fulfilled.''
 
She called the request a formality because Springfield prosecutors and the Cook County state's attorney's office already had asked for and received the records.

Quinn championed the anti-violence program in 2010 to target the causes of neighborhood violence, but Republicans have alleged it was a "political slush fund'' since it was started weeks ahead of the November election. Quinn, who is facing re-election with a challenge from Republican Bruce Rauner, has denied the claim.
 
Quinn said he took action by abolishing the agency initially running the program. His office didn't immediately return a message Tuesday.
 
The subpoenas were first reported by the Chicago Tribune.