Urban Prep Academies Chicago Charter School Operator Subpoenaed by Feds
Federal Investigation Underway
Federal authorities have been conducting a long-running criminal investigation of Urban Prep Academies, a charter school operator on the South Side, according to grand jury records obtained by WBEZ and sources with knowledge of the probe.
Three Subpoenas
Urban Prep received the first of three grand jury subpoenas from then-U.S. Attorney John Lausch’s office on June 6, 2022. It demanded a long list of records from Urban Prep for its Bronzeville and Englewood campuses and a third school it operated at the time but later closed.
Among the documents sought were “all accounting records related to payments to credit card companies” and documents pertaining to “non-payroll” wire transfers to King and two other Urban Prep officials, Troy Boyd and Cortland Smith.
Prosecutors also asked for “records relating to gift cards purchased by Urban Prep Academies” and personnel and tax documents for King and others who worked for the charter operator.
Fighting to Stay Open
Federal authorities began investigating Urban Prep after the CPS inspector general’s office had been investigating, records show. Acting Inspector General Philip Wagenknecht won’t comment.
For years, the all-boys Urban Prep was acclaimed for getting 100% of its Black male graduates admitted to college. People magazine once called King its “Hero of the Year.”
But WBEZ reported in 2022 that Urban Prep faced such deep financial troubles that CPS officials expressed “grave concerns” about its sustainability.
Suing to Obtain Records
WBEZ was provided records related to the investigation only after suing Urban Prep in Cook County circuit court. Represented by attorneys Matt Topic and Josh Loevy, WBEZ argued that“Urban Prep willfully and intentionally, or otherwise in bad faith failed to comply with” the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Last March, WBEZ sent a request to Urban Prep administrators for copies of any federal subpoenas or search warrants they’d received.
In response, Urban Prep’sBoyd wrote last April 8: “Urban Prep has connected with its legal representatives and it is their position that the requested information, or at the very least some of it, is restricted from disclosure or other exempted under FOIA. If you have any authority to the contrary, our counsel will be happy to consider it.”
Conclusion
The investigation into Urban Prep Academies is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed as a result of the probe. The charter school operator is fighting to stay open despite opposition from the Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the investigation? The investigation is looking into potential financial improprieties and other issues at Urban Prep Academies.
Who is being investigated? The investigation is focused on Tim King, the former CEO of Urban Prep Academies, as well as other officials at the charter school operator.
What is the status of the investigation? The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed as a result of the probe.
What is the future of Urban Prep Academies? The charter school operator is fighting to stay open despite opposition from the Chicago Public Schools.
What is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act? The Illinois Freedom of Information Act is a state law that requires government agencies and public bodies to make certain records available to the public.
Why did WBEZ sue Urban Prep Academies? WBEZ sued Urban Prep Academies after the charter school operator failed to comply with a request for records related to the investigation.
