* Sun-Times last month…
The operator of a Summit bar that’s come under scrutiny as part of a political corruption investigation in the southwest suburbs is an associate of a top political operative for Ald. Edward Burke and state Sen. Martin Sandoval, both facing their own problems with federal investigators.
Mariano “Mario” Martinez — who runs Mars Bar, 6030 S. Harlem Ave. — has personal and professional connections to Rudy Acosta Sr., a Burke precinct captain and Sandoval pal, according to records and interviews.
Martinez, 50, was charged earlier this year with possessing and distributing a kilo of heroin. […]
Martinez has pleaded “not guilty” to the drug charges, though there is a change-of-plea hearing set for next month. His lawyer did not return calls, and the U.S. attorney’s office would not comment.
Martinez told the Sun-Times he’s not cooperating with federal authorities, saying, “I’m going to do my time.”
Oh, a tough guy, eh?
* Sun-Times late yesterday…
A man with ties to a top political operative for Ald. Edward M. Burke and state Sen. Martin Sandoval admitted Wednesday he gave more than $6,500 in bribes to public officials in Summit — and he agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors “in any matter” for which he’s called upon. […]
But if he cooperates as anticipated in his plea agreement, prosecutors have said they will recommend a lighter sentence for his drug crime. Kennelly put off scheduling a sentencing hearing.
In his plea agreement, Martinez acknowledged he gave bribes totaling more than $6,500 to public officials, including an elected official, since 2014. And on March 31, 2017, he had a discussion by phone with “Summit Official B” about getting “Summit Official A” to use his official position to assist Martinez with one of his businesses.
Martinez also provided benefits to the two unnamed officials to gain their support, according to the plea agreement. […]
When Rodriguez was interviewed by agents, they played him a recording of a conversation between two other people, a source said. And questions put to Rodriguez by federal agents focused on Mars Bar.
* Text from a buddy the other day before this story came out…
I still maintain that one of the huge underlying stories here is going to be just how many people flipped on friends and colleagues. As I said to somebody the other evening over drinks, you’re going to see more people flip than you would at a Jesse White Tumbler’s show.
[Headline explained here.]
