Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on May 20 that an Elgin man has been charged with defrauding the state out of more than $44,000 for personal assistant home services he allegedly did not provide.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Mike Michareune, age 54, was charged in Cook County Circuit Court with one count of vendor fraud and two counts of theft of government property under $100,000—each a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison—as well as one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony carrying up to five years. Sentencing will be determined by the court. Michareune’s next court date is set for June 29.
“The state’s Home Service Program provides critical support to individuals with disabilities so that they can maintain their independence at home,” Raoul said. “We will not tolerate abuse of this important program, and I appreciate our continued collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services as we seek to hold these individuals accountable.”
Raoul’s office alleges that between July 2023 and August 2025, Michareune worked as a personal assistant in the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Home Service Program and submitted false time sheets for hours he did not work. The office claims he was paid $44,700 for services never provided.
The prosecution follows a referral from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and an investigation by Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Raoul’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives most funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $12,584,776 for fiscal year 2026; state funds cover another $4,194,923.
The Illinois Attorney General advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants and seniors; handled thousands of consumer complaints each year; aimed to protect consumers while promoting safer communities; extended advocacy efforts across Illinois; partnered with law enforcement to support crime victims; promoted open government; and offered complaint filing services related to consumer fraud and civil rights—all according to the official website.
