Lawsuit alleges funds misused by Cook County

A lawsuit filed against elected Cook County leaders by a frequent critic alleges they have improperly diverted up to $15 million a year meant for specific programs such as court services, the public health system and collection of overdue child support.

David Novoselsky contends in the lawsuit that funds taken from court filing fees and private, state and federal grants are not audited. He says the fees and grants simply go into the general fund.

A spokesman for State's Attorney Richard Devine said his office would not comment until it reviewed the lawsuit. Devine's attorneys are seeking to dismiss a separate lawsuit Novoselsky filed over court automation fund fees.

Monday's lawsuit alleges the portion of fees and grants not diverted also are placed in the general fund and used as county officials see fit, even though they were meant for specific purposes.