Taxpayer watchdog calls for accountability after helicopter prom controversy

(The Center Square) – A taxpayer watchdog is calling for a potential criminal investigation after allegations surfaced that a suburban Chicago park district official may have used public resources to fund a helicopter prom photo shoot for her daughter.

Brian Costin, deputy state director for Americans for Prosperity Illinois, said the allegations involving Quintina Brown raise concerns about abuse of public office and taxpayer trust.

“I think it’s pretty clear if the facts are indeed true that Quintina Brown abused her official position for private benefit,” Costin told The Center Square. “The state’s attorney should take a good look at this to see if it qualifies for official misconduct.”

The controversy stems from a May 8 helicopter landing at Roesner Park in Markham, where Brown allegedly arranged for a helicopter to land for her daughter’s prom send-off and photoshoot.

Police body camera footage captured officers questioning the pilot and Brown about whether the l...