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Pols behaving badly

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Illinois

John Coli Sr., the former Chicago-area union boss who was influential in Democratic politics and was an early backer of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is scheduled to change his not guilty plea in his federal corruption case, according to new court records.

Coli’s change of plea hearing in his extortion and tax fraud case is scheduled for June 4 in front of Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer.

It’s not yet clear what the terms of a possible plea deal could be. Neither Coli’s lawyers nor a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago immediately responded to WBEZ’s requests for comment.

Federal prosecutors allege Coli used his former leadership position at Teamsters Joint Council 25 to get $350,000 in kickbacks from two firms. One was the Chicago film studio Cinespace, a one-time state grant recipient where a series of network television programs are filmed, including NBC’s Chicago Fire and Fox’s Empire. The government accused Coli of threatening work stoppages and labor unrest at the studio, which employs Teamsters members, unless Cinespace paid him off.

Prosecutors accuse Coli of then lying on his income taxes and on labor documents to cover up the scheme.

A classic old-style union shakedown.

* Meanwhile…

State Rep. Steven Reick was charged Wednesday with driving under the influence of alcohol in Sangamon County, online court records show.

Reick was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.08%, according to Sangamon County online court records.

The charges were filed by Illinois State Police, who would not immediately provide further details Thursday evening on Reick’s arrest.

A representative with the Sangamon County Jail said Reick was released about 2:15 a.m. Thursday with a notice to appear in court later this month.

* Looks like he was heading back to his hotel…

State Police also issued tickets alleging that Reick was traveling 15 to 20 mph above the speed limit, and committed a turn-signal violation.

State Police could not immediately be reached for details, but WCIA-TV reported Reick was arrested at the intersection of South Grand Avenue and Eastdale Drive about midnight. […]

Reick issued a one-sentence statement Thursday evening via a spokeswoman: “I made a stupid and regrettable decision last night and accept full responsibility for my actions.”

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:01 pm

Comments

“and accept full responsibility for my actions”

I suppose that means he’ll be pleading guilty.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:08 pm
I’m sure the per diem for legislators will increase in the next budget to accommodate their Uber to and from after hour events.

Comment by Almost the weekend Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:15 pm
–State Rep. Steven E. Reick was arrested at 12:06 a.m.–

Seriously, what are your expectations when you hang at the bars that late at your age? A couple more drinks seals the deal?

Call a cab next time, playa.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:15 pm
I’d like to vote for Reick. How many politicians write in a statement that they take full responsibility for their actions?

Comment by Levois Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:45 pm
Good response by the Representative. We are all human and make mistakes. No one was hurt - take your punishment, pay your fine, learn a lesson, and move on.

Comment by Professor Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:55 pm
Was this the Coli that was on Rauners ILRB? Or was this the other one?

Comment by Honeybear Friday, May 3, 19 @ 1:56 pm
==We are all human and make mistakes. No one was hurt==

You understand that DUI is a class A, right? He could do jail time. And that it’s only due to luck he didn’t kill someone going 20 MPH over while intoxicated?

Comment by PJ Friday, May 3, 19 @ 2:05 pm
I assume it’s his first DUI, which is not a felony, but a misdemeanor. He will not do jail time.

Comment by L.A. Friday, May 3, 19 @ 2:18 pm
===Looks like he was heading back to his hotel…===

Or the late night Popeye’s run, looks like he was pulled over around there.

===accept full responsibility for my actions.”===

Not so with Kam Buckner, Sangamon County Clerk’s website is showing a demand for a jury trial and a motion to bar the State’s Attorney. Sounds like Buckner is putting up a fight and an intrepid might want to take a trip down to the courthouse to get the text of the motion to see what that is about.

Comment by Reserved Friday, May 3, 19 @ 2:21 pm
Hoping Rich doesn’t mind me adding another: https://madisonrecord.com/stories/512479143-clinton-county-board-member-accused-of-placing-gps-on-highway-worker-s-truck

Comment by Southern Friday, May 3, 19 @ 2:47 pm
With the score 1-1. Perhaps all 4 caucus leaders would consider a Lyft/Uber account for their members? Small investment when weighed against the potential harm and embarassment these incidents cause.

Comment by Leon Durham Friday, May 3, 19 @ 2:58 pm
–Perhaps all 4 caucus leaders would consider a Lyft/Uber account for their members?–

Grown men who deign to make laws should not require any leadership here.

It’s pretty easy not to drive drunk. Trust me, I have loads of experience.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 3, 19 @ 3:08 pm
=== Seriously, what are your expectations when you hang at the bars that late at your age? ===

I don’t think his age has much to do with it. I’m sure there are plenty of people around his age that are capable of hanging out at the bars at around midnight and getting home without driving.

Comment by Just Observing Friday, May 3, 19 @ 3:12 pm
Nothing good happens after midnight.

Designated driver
Cab
Uber
Lyft
Friend…

… or walk.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 3, 19 @ 3:32 pm
Maybe the legislative leaders could budget for a shuttle-bus or circulator for late night returns to hotels.

Comment by Behind the Scenes Friday, May 3, 19 @ 4:05 pm
–Perhaps all 4 caucus leaders would consider a Lyft/Uber account for their members?–

Grown men who deign to make laws should not require any leadership here.

It’s pretty easy not to drive drunk. Trust me, I have loads of experience.

I hear you man, but well here we are…again

Comment by Leon Durham Friday, May 3, 19 @ 4:06 pm