Illinois park boss accused of using taxpayer-funded credit card for daughters helicopter prom photoshoot

An Illinois park executive is facing backlash after she was accused of using a taxpayer-funded credit card to help pay for an $800 helicopter rental for her daughter’s prom photoshoot.Quintina Brown, head of the Markham Park District outside Chicago, arranged for the helicopter to land at Roesner Park on May 8 so her 17-year-old daughter Quamyra could pose for pictures in front of it.The helicopter company gave an invoice to city attorney Kelly Krauchun that included a credit card number linked to Brown, according to WPSD.The invoice reportedly listed “Markham Parks” as the customer, used the park district fieldhouse address and included Brown’s signature.Krauchun said at least the deposit was charged to a park district credit card funded by taxpayers.“They told me that the deposit was charged to the card, and they have not been successful in getting the remaining $800 off the card, for whatever reason,” Krauchun said, referring to the helicopter company.The invoice was reportedly for a minimum of $800 for one hour of service.Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa said residents should be concerned if a park district credit card was used either to pay for or secure the booking.Brown denied any misuse of public money, telling NBC 5: “There was no misuse of funds at all,” and insisting she used her own credit card.“[My daughter] was graduating and this was going to be a memorable experience.I just wanted to be able to provide that for her,” Brown told WGN-TV.“She wanted to do a prom photo shoot.”Police said the helicopter flew “alarmingly” low before landing near an active basketball court and playground area.Children nearby ran from the area when the chopper touched down, according to city attorney Kelly Krauchun.Court documents described the incident as an “unpermitted landing and operation of a helicopter on park district property, near playgrounds and residential homes,” NBC 5 reported.Agpawa blasted the incident as “reckless.”“This is w...