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Inspector General Says Ex-DCFS Director Mismanaged Agency

State investigators say the former head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services improperly awarded a no-bid contract to a person with whom he co-owned property. 

The Office of the Inspector General report also says George Sheldon hired someone who'd been charged with drunk driving to a job that involved driving state vehicles. Sheldon also approved a timesheet showing the employee was working on days when they were on a non-business trip. 

Sheldon resigned in May amid the ethics probe and controversy over recent child deaths. He didn't immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.

Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed Sheldon in 2015. 

Rauner's spokeswoman said Friday the office has been working with DCFS to implement inspector general recommendations, including better training for staff.

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