Retired Chicago police commander accused of stealing $360K in Social Security

A former Chicago police commander was charged earlier this week with stealing more than $360,000 in Social Security funds intended for his deceased mother, WGN-TV reported

“Kenneth Johnson, defendant herein, did steal, purloin, and knowingly convert to his own use money of the United States, namely, approximately $363,064 in funds administered to the Social Security Administration, which funds defendant was not entitled to receive," according to the one-page court document filed Wednesday in a U.S. District Court in Illinois.

The alleged scam spanned more than two decades from June 1994 to November 2017, the document showed.

Johnson, 54, retired in August after 32 years on the force. He was commander of the 7th District in Englewood.

What did the Chicago police say?

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told the Chicago Tribune that he was "shocked" when he learned late Wednesday about the charge against Johnson.

“I am shocked and very disappointed by this news,” Eddie Johnson said. “I knew Cmdr. Johnson well from his efforts to reduce violence in Englewood, but if proven, these allegations erode the public’s trust and tarnish his service to Chicago.”

The department said there were no open internal affairs investigations in the case.

Kenneth Johnson was well-respected and had been credited for his efforts in reducing violent crime in his district, one of the most dangerous in the city, according to reports.

What else?

Attorney Michael Clancy, who's representing Kenneth Johnson, told the Tribune that his client has been cooperating with federal investigators.

His arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 27. It's not yet known how he will plea.

“There is an arraignment coming up, and we will take a look at his options and go from there,” Clancy said.