Man gets probation for attempting to defraud DuPage probation office

A West Chicago man who attempted to defraud the DuPage County probation department will develop a closer relationship with that agency over the next 30 months, and with the county's alternative work program, too.

Russell Phillip, 47, was sentenced Friday to 2 1/2 years of probation and 25 days in the sheriff's work program, according to prosecutors and court records.

Phillip pleaded guilty earlier this year to wire fraud after authorities said he was charged with offering to file bogus forms with the probation department in return for cash.

He operated a flower shop in Downers Grove and also ran a program called "Flowers for Heroes" that was registered with the probation department as a place where people could do court-ordered community service.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-probation-fraud-sentence-0408-20170407-story.html