Editor's note: Your ProbateShark commends the FBI for uncovering this bribery. Please don't lose sight of the bribes and corruption taking place in the Probate Court of Cook County. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
21st Ward alderman's chief of staff charged with bribery
FBI: Alderman's chief of staff charged with bribery (Tribune illustration)
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The chief of staff to Chicago Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. was charged with accepting a $7,500 bribe as part of an undercover corruption probe, the FBI said today.
The FBI said Curtis V. Thompson Jr. accepted the bribe from an individual who pretended to be opening a convenience store and wanted a license to sell alcohol but in fact was working undercover for federal authorities.
Thompson allegedly agreed to obtain a letter of support from Brookins for the license to sell alcohol.
At an initial court appearance this afternoon, Thompson, 62, wearing a rumpled gray suit and keeping his hands behind his back, was ordered released on his own recognizance on the bribery charge.
The criminal complaint alleged that during a meeting last October that authorities audio and video recorded, the undercover operative passed a note to Thompson reading “$7,500 to the Ald. for L.O. S.” said to be a reference to “letter of support.” Thompson appeared to read the note and responded, “Okay. I understand. I understand,” authorities said. Thompson then said that he would bring the issue up with Brookins, according to the complaint.
In two later meetings in October and November, Brookins was present with the undercover operative and Thompson when the convenience store was discussed, according to the complaint.
During an Oct. 29 meeting, the informant allegedly passed a note to Brookins that said, “12K to you for letter of support” and the note was passed from Brookins to another unidentified man at the meeting and then to Thompson.
During a Nov. 19 meeting, Brookins allegedly agreed to send as many letters of support as the undercover operative needed.
The undercover operative was later solicited to donate to Brookins' holiday toy drive and to co-sponsor Brookins’ Christmas party, according to the FBI.
On Dec. 10, the informant went to the alderman’s office and was given a letter of support on Brookins’ letterhead, addressed to 7-Eleven Inc., and signed in Brookins' name.
“Please allow this letter to serve as my full support for a 7-Eleven convenience store,” the criminal complaint quoted the letter as saying. “This store will be a welcomed addition to (the alderman’s) community and those that patronize the area for shopping and convenience needs. As well as wine and spirits (alcohol).”
The undercover operative attended the alderman’s Christmas party on Dec. 19 and allegedly gave Thompson a red envelope containing a Christmas card and 75 $100 bills, according to the complaint.
Thompson took the envelope from the informant, “felt it deliberately, looked at it and then placed it in a jacket pocket, saying, ‘Thanks,’” according to the complaint.
Brookins sought election as Cook County state’s attorney in 2008 but lost in the crowded Democratic primary.
chicagobreaking@tribune.com
Twitter: @ChicagoBreaking
The FBI said Curtis V. Thompson Jr. accepted the bribe from an individual who pretended to be opening a convenience store and wanted a license to sell alcohol but in fact was working undercover for federal authorities.
Thompson allegedly agreed to obtain a letter of support from Brookins for the license to sell alcohol.
At an initial court appearance this afternoon, Thompson, 62, wearing a rumpled gray suit and keeping his hands behind his back, was ordered released on his own recognizance on the bribery charge.
The criminal complaint alleged that during a meeting last October that authorities audio and video recorded, the undercover operative passed a note to Thompson reading “$7,500 to the Ald. for L.O. S.” said to be a reference to “letter of support.” Thompson appeared to read the note and responded, “Okay. I understand. I understand,” authorities said. Thompson then said that he would bring the issue up with Brookins, according to the complaint.
In two later meetings in October and November, Brookins was present with the undercover operative and Thompson when the convenience store was discussed, according to the complaint.
During an Oct. 29 meeting, the informant allegedly passed a note to Brookins that said, “12K to you for letter of support” and the note was passed from Brookins to another unidentified man at the meeting and then to Thompson.
During a Nov. 19 meeting, Brookins allegedly agreed to send as many letters of support as the undercover operative needed.
The undercover operative was later solicited to donate to Brookins' holiday toy drive and to co-sponsor Brookins’ Christmas party, according to the FBI.
On Dec. 10, the informant went to the alderman’s office and was given a letter of support on Brookins’ letterhead, addressed to 7-Eleven Inc., and signed in Brookins' name.
“Please allow this letter to serve as my full support for a 7-Eleven convenience store,” the criminal complaint quoted the letter as saying. “This store will be a welcomed addition to (the alderman’s) community and those that patronize the area for shopping and convenience needs. As well as wine and spirits (alcohol).”
The undercover operative attended the alderman’s Christmas party on Dec. 19 and allegedly gave Thompson a red envelope containing a Christmas card and 75 $100 bills, according to the complaint.
Thompson took the envelope from the informant, “felt it deliberately, looked at it and then placed it in a jacket pocket, saying, ‘Thanks,’” according to the complaint.
Brookins sought election as Cook County state’s attorney in 2008 but lost in the crowded Democratic primary.
chicagobreaking@tribune.com
Twitter: @ChicagoBreaking
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