Candace Faye Wanzo, Mail Fraud, Illinois 2021

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a shocking turn of events, former Illinois Secretary of State employee Candace Faye Wanzo, 58, of Centralia, Ill., has been ordered to serve 18 months in federal prison for defrauding the Secretary of State’s Office and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

According to sources, Wanzo pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2020 to one count each of mail fraud, misapplication of government funds, and theft of government funds. The scheme took place from March 2015 to April 2017, during which time Wanzo stole title and registration fees and sales tax payments from the Secretary of State’s Office and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Wanzo was responsible for the operation of the Public Service Center in the Howlett Building in Springfield, Ill., where vehicle owners pay title and registration fees, apply and pay for license plates, and make sales tax payments related to vehicle sales. The former employee admitted to using the stolen funds to cover up her own misdeeds, misapplying approximately $300,000 in title and registration fees in the process.

In addition to the prison sentence, Wanzo was ordered to pay restitution and remain on supervised release for three years following her release from prison. The FBI – Springfield Division investigated the case with the assistance of the Illinois Secretary of State Inspector General’s Office, which referred the matter to federal law enforcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris represented the government in the prosecution. Wanzo was allowed to self-report to begin serving her sentence on a date to be determined by the federal Bureau of Prisons.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government offices. It highlights the need for strict oversight and auditing measures to prevent such schemes from occurring in the future.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how far-reaching the consequences will be. One thing is certain, however: Candace Faye Wanzo will serve her time for her crimes, bringing a measure of justice to those affected by her actions.

For more information on this case, contact the FBI – Springfield Division or the Illinois Secretary of State Inspector General’s Office.

Related Federal Cases