Ex-Stroger aide guilty of theft, money laundering

A former top aide to Cook County’s former board president has been found guilty of stealing more than $300,000 in taxpayer money and money laundering.

In a bench trial, Carla Oglesby on Wednesday was acquitted of organizing financial crimes and official misconduct charges.

Prosecutors charged that Oglesby, with the help of vendors, “assisted ... in getting various sham contracts through the system.” They contended the 44-year-old Oglesby steered fake government contracts to herself and her pals.

Defense attorney Anthony Schumann argued it was Eugene Mullins, former board President Todd Stroger’s childhood friend and onetime chief media spokesman, who dealt with the vendors. Mullins is facing federal charges related to the case.

Oglesby, who remains free on bond, refused to comment after the verdict was handed down.