16 facing charges in counterfeit ticket scam

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office announced charges Tuesday against 16 people in connection with a wide-ranging counterfeit ticket ring.

The charges allege the defendants sold counterfeit tickets to events at Rosemont's Allstate Arena, Soldier Field and the United Center.

A news release states eight of the defendants had been arrested and arrest warrants were issued for the others. All 16 were Chicago residents.

Madigan's office said all 16 defendants "are documented gang members" and are now facing felony forgery charges.

According to the release, the 16 defendants are accused of printing the tickets and advertising them on Craigslist. The fake tickets were supposed to be for events like Chicago Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks games, as well as WWE shows and Disney on Ice, authorities said.

The defendants, who range in age from 19 to 39, would offer the tickets online and arrange meetings with buyers at coffee shops or restaurants, according to Madigan's office.

Authorities said the buyers wouldn't know they had purchased fake tickets until they arrived at the events.

The defendants face up to five years in prison if convicted.