BENTON, ILL. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Illinois, Southern), published as received.

BENTON, Ill. – A former account technician at Pinckneyville Correctional Center, which is a part of the Illinois Department of Corrections, appeared in district court to plead guilty to federal charges for wire fraud and misapplication of property from federally funded programs. 

Maggi R. Tudor, 34, began working as an Account Technician at Pinckneyville Correctional Center (PCC) in 2022.  At the time, Tudor’s husband was employed as a Correctional Officer at Murphysboro Life Skills Reentry Center, which is a satellite facility of PCC.  According to court documents, Tudor acted as a timekeeper and backup payroll clerk for PCC and Murphysboro Life Skills Reentry Center. 

Tudor admitted to abusing her position of trust as an Account Technician to falsely modify her husband’s timesheets, so he obtained higher payroll payments he was not entitled to. Tudor manipulated her husband’s timesheets to make it appear her husband worked overtime and holiday hours he did not work. In all, Tudor caused a loss to the State of Illinois in the amount of $124,917.35.     

“Fraud against taxpayers is a high priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Tudor siphoned hard-earned taxpayer dollars for personal gain. Public service is a privilege, not a personal piggy bank. We will continue to safeguard every taxpayer dollar and hold those who abuse their positions fully accountable.”

"The Illinois State Police is dedicated to upholding public integrity and pursues any state employee committing criminal behavior," said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly.    

Tudor’s sentencing hearing is set for November 9, 2026 at 9:30 AM in Benton. 

Illinois State Police is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.