Federal Grand Jury Indicts Ex-Ald. Ricardo Munoz On Fraud Charges

CHICAGO — A federal grand jury indicted former Ald. Ricardo Munoz on fraud charges Thursday. The 16-count indictment accuses Munoz of allegedly using money from a campaign fund to pay personal expenses.

Munoz told Patch Thursday that he had yet to see the indictment and declined to comment.

The former 22nd Ward boss allegedly used money from the Chicago Progressive Reform Caucus political action committee fund to pay for a relatives' college tuition, buy jewelry, clothes, cell phones, vacations, and tickets for airline flights and sporting events, according to court papers.

Munoz allegedly used the funds from the political action committee to pay for a loan payment on a personal vehicle, women’s clothing, three Apple iPhones and accessories, aerial sightseeing trips, and skydiving excursions, according to court papers.

The indictment also states that Munoz used the political action committee's credit card for $160.48 in purchases at Lover's Lane, a shop that sells lingerie and sex toys, two days before Valentine's Day in 2019.

The U.S. Justice Department alleges that Munoz transferred cash from the CPRC political fund to a campaign war chest he controlled, Citizens for Munoz and then to his personal checking account, according to the indictment.

Munoz, who served as alderman for 26 years, faces 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. A date for his arraignment has not yet been set, authorities said.

According to the indictment, Munoz was chairman of the CPRC and acted as the political action committee's treasurer. Public officials were prohibited by law from being paid by the political action committee for personal expenses, authorities said.

Munoz announced he would retire as alderman in July 2018. On Dec. 31 that year, Munoz was charged with domestic battery after allegedly pushing and hitting his wife. He was later found not guilty on those charges.