Grundy Reporter

Senate Republican Leader John Curran and Senate Republican Caucus Whip Jil Tracy have filed a resolution requesting an independent audit by the Illinois Auditor General. The audit seeks to investigate serious allegations of violence against children at Aunt Martha’s Integrated Care Center in Chicago. These accusations include claims of sexual and physical abuse under state care, as reported by Injustice Watch.

In 2019, Governor Pritzker appointed Marc Smith, a former executive of Aunt Martha’s, as Director of DCFS. This decision raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Smith later signed a no-bid contract with A-Alert Security, despite concerns from Aunt Martha’s chief operating officer about inappropriate conduct by the company.

The Pritzker Administration has continued to employ A-Alert Security, which has received over $7.3 million in taxpayer funds since 2022. Notably, $6.5 million was paid after initial complaints were made over a year ago. The most recent payment occurred in August this year.

This spring, WGN reported that Antonio Hopkins, an employee of A-Alert Security, was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child but is now a fugitive after missing an August court hearing. CBS also reported that Trulon Henry faced charges related to criminal sexual assault during his employment at Aunt Martha’s Integrated Care Center this summer. He was apprehended on the east coast in July and returned to Chicago.

DCFS shut down the center in June following accusations against a long-time staffer who allegedly attempted to backdate child protection plans amid an investigation by the Office of the Executive Inspector General. A DCFS spokesperson confirmed the attempt, stating that the employee "panicked."

Senate Resolution 1229 calls for an audit outside the executive branch to review various aspects including abuse allegations, background checks, staff hiring practices, and financial spending at Aunt Martha’s and A-Alert Security Services Inc. It also seeks to determine if Illinois State officials acted unlawfully regarding these issues.