A former sports administrator for the Chicago Public Schools was sentenced to two years probation Wednesday after he admitted he forged checks, purchased items and then returned them so he could pocket the cash to buy champagne, flowers, chocolate, condoms and a king-size mattress.

 

Louis James, 58, also paid $8,729 in restitution for his crimes, said Tandra Simonton, a spokeswoman for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

 

The South Side man was also ordered to perform 40 hours of community service after pleading guilty to theft of government property and official misconduct before Cook County Judge Clayton Crane, Simonton said.

 

Last summer, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez announced charges against James and a slew of other educators and former school officials who were allegedly stealing money allocated for education purposes.

 

-- Sun-Times

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