Kwame Raoul accuses mother-son duo of alleged real estate fraud

Illinois is taking action against a mother-son duo who the state says defrauded Chicago's affordable housing system by paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in government assistance for which they were not eligible.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed charges against Gwendolyn J. Martin, 59, and her son, Lawrence Amos, 43, both Chicago residents, for allegedly orchestrating a 16-year scheme involving the falsification of documents to obtain funds and benefits from the Chicago Housing Authority, the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Without the assistance provided by the Housing Choice Voucher program, many families in need would have no recourse to obtain housing assistance. It is unconscionable that anyone would take advantage of this vital program,” Raoul said in a statement.

According to Raoul’s office, Martin lied about his eligibility for Housing Choice Vouchers through the CHA by concealing ownership of a residential property. Additionally, investigators say Martin and Amos collaborated to have Amos act as an agent for properties rented using CHA vouchers illicitly obtained by Martin, thereby diverting funds for personal use.

Raoul's office claims that more than $236,000 was paid between December 2008 and May 2024 through Martin's bond, while more than $158,000 was paid directly to Amos through the bond.

“Martin and Amos engaged in a sophisticated and long-standing financial fraud scheme over many years, falsifying numerous government documents, misrepresenting their identities, and taking advantage of CHA’s scarce housing voucher resources, all while depriving those in need of housing of the assistance they need,” CHA Inspector General Kathryn Richards said in a statement.

Additionally, the charges go beyond housing assistance. Martin and Amos are also accused of fraudulently applying for and receiving Paycheck Protection Program funds through the SBA for nonexistent businesses.

Martin and Amos are both charged with a Class X felony count of theft of government funds over $100,000, which could lead to up to 30 years in prison if convicted. They are also both charged with several other felonies that could result in prison time.

Assistant Attorney General Haley Bookhout of Raoul's Office of Public Integrity is expected to prosecute the case.