Chicago alderman accused of lying about car being stolen

CHICAGO – Police have arrested a Chicago alderman on charges alleging that he lied when he reported his car had been stolen in January.

Police say a news release that Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno was arrested Tuesday night on felony charges of insurance fraud and obstruction of justice. A judge on Wednesday released him from custody on his written promise to appear in court at a later date.

Moreno reported on Jan. 4 that his car was missing.

Weeks later, police located the car and charged the driver with misdemeanour trespass to a motor vehicle. But after the woman told investigators she had dated Moreno and that he had let her use the car, prosecutors dropped the charges against her.

Moreno lost his bid for re-election and his term is set to end May 20.