* Isabel and I have also been working on this story…

WGN Investigates has learned a top aide to a state representative who abruptly resigned in April has now been charged with sending obscene and harassing messages to a rival state senator.

The text messages sent to State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) included fake sexually explicit images of Hastings, Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials, according to a source.

Timothy Pawula is now charged with harassment through electronic communication, transmission of obscene messages and obscenity, according to Illinois State Police.

Pawula was chief of staff for State Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) before Ozinga abruptly resigned without explanation in April as the investigation heated-up.

Ozinga has not been charged with a crime and its unclear if he was aware of Pawula’s alleged actions.

“I’ve been a victim of electronic harassment where someone – potentially affiliated with others – sent me digitally altered, sexually explicit images that are highly offensive,” Sen. Hastings told WGN Investigates.

* Pawula was not Ozinga’s chief of staff when Ozinga abruptly resigned without explaining his reasons. But he had worked in Ozinga’s district office prior to that and is currently listed as treasurer of Ozinga’s campaign committee. He’s also listed as treasurer of Ozinga’s Big Tent Coalition PAC. Ozinga and Sen. Hastings have been political adversaries.

The Illinois State Police opened an investigation after Sen. Hastings filed a complaint. The results of that investigation were then turned over to the attorney general’s office, which ultimate filed these charges in Will County…

720 ILCS 5/26.5-3(a)(1) - Harassment through electronic communication.
720 ILCS 5/26-5-3(a)(3) - Harassment through electronic communication.
720 ILCS 5/26.5-1(1) - Transmission of obscene messages
720 ILCS 5/11-20(a)(1) - Obscenity

Pawula’s booking photo…

* Pawula could not be reached and he has no attorney on file in Will County. Ozinga did not respond to phone calls and text messages, which included these questions…

Did your resignation from the House have anything to do with the charges now pending against Timothy Pawula?

Were you aware that Pawula was [allegedly] sending pornographic images to Sen. Hastings?

I’ll be happy to update with any response. Ozinga has not been charged.

Pawula’s first court date is June 5.

* Meanwhile, Jeff Berkowitz recently interviewed Ozinga and sent out this press release…

Could a scaled-up, empathetic “Big Tent Coalition” fix IL? Could Tim Ozinga, the Big Tent’s CEO, be the IL GOP GOV Candidate to fix IL’s education system, crime problems & lack of growth?

I’m thinking maybe not. Watch the interview here.

*** Adding *** Tim Ozinga texted me this response…

Thank you for reaching out for comment Rich.

I had zero knowledge of the incident and was not aware that any charges were being filed until after I had already retired from the general assembly.

When I did find out about it, I disciplined the employee, he was put on unpaid leave, and justice will be served.

I believe everyone should be held accountable for their actions.

Court records show the ex-wife of powerful Illinois State Sen. Michael Hastings accused him of elbowing her in the face in the presence of their small children and harassing, intimidating and threatening her in a series of text messages.

Senator Hastings is unfit for office and was asked to resign by Governor Pritzker. Hopefully justice will be served by the voters of Illinois this election by removing him from office.

*** Adding *** Click here to see Pawula’s notice to appear. Something to note, the date of the offense is November 8, 2022, the day of the general election.

*** Adding *** It turns out that Ozinga put Pawula back on staff. I kid you not. I circled back to Ozinga and here’s what he said…

He was disciplined and is dealing with the consequences of his actions. He is still working under probation/supervision at this point in time.