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* Rep. Arroyo (D-Chicago) chairs the House Appropriations-Capital Committee. He worked with Sen. Martin Sandoval, the former chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, on the infrastructure bill…
///BREAKING/// Illinois State Rep. Luis Arroyo of Chicago was arrested Friday on public corruption charges and is appearing in a federal courtroom now. He’s sitting in court with lawyer waiting for the hearing to begin. Details to come.
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) October 28, 2019
This post will be updated.
…Adding… Rep. Arroyo gave up a spot in leadership to take over the chairmanship of that approp committee.
Arroyo’s recent contributions include $5,000 on September 24th from Rick Heidner’s Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. He received $2,500 that same day from ComEd.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Wow…
Hearing for state Rep. Luis Arroyo starting now. He’s charged in a criminal complaint with bribery of a state official. Maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) October 28, 2019
Arroyo has already negotiated the terms of bond and will be released. He’s been ordered to have no contact with “Individual A” in the charges, who is another state elected official.
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) October 28, 2019
Arroyo charge relates to corruptly offering illicit payments to a state official, govt says.
— Dave McKinney (@davemckinney) October 28, 2019
Arroyo's son, Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr, was here in the county building for budget hearings earlier this morning. He ducked out before this news came out and hasn't returned. https://t.co/mThWXWY8gk
— Alex Nitkin (@AlexNitkin) October 28, 2019
His attorney is Terence Gillespie. The Sun-Times reports he’d negotiated a $10,000 unsecured bond.
…Adding… Arroyo has a side business called Spartacus 3…
Spartacus 3 offers the most comprehensive Municipal and County business advocacy services. The combined experience of over 20 years in government operations paired with the unparalleled individual skills of our team offer you focus, leadership and reliability for a successful partnership. We will assess the need, identify a strategy with you, procure the necessary documentation and advocate for your business through legislative and regulatory processes until your objective is accomplished. […]
The Spartacus 3 team excels at every dimension of winning political campaigns and has penned many victories in it’s score card. Winning a political or government campaign requires a sharp message. It also requires a sharp field and targeting plan, rapid response, political outreach, press strategy and direct voter contact, all executed without mistakes. Your path to victory starts with us.
The company pays Arroyo’s political committee $1,000 a month in rent.
*** UPDATE 2 *** One of the items listed to be seized on the Sandoval warrant was anything related to “sweepstakes” businesses and/or anything “any issues supported by any of those individuals or businesses.” I do not know if this is related, but Arroyo and his company registered to lobby the Chicago City Council this year on a “Sweepstakes Ordinance.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Yep. It’s related…
Govt’s bribery case against Rep Luis Arroyo involves effort to pay an unnamed Illinois state senator on behalf of a lobbying client to advance gambling sweepstakes legislation, US Atty spox says. The spokesman would not say whether that unnamed senator is Marty Sandoval.
— Dave McKinney (@davemckinney) October 28, 2019
I’ve been watching this sweepstakes issue for a different reason. We’ll see if this leads to where I think it might.
*** UPDATE 4 *** HGOP…
MEDIA ADVISORY: Durkin, HGOP Members to Make Statement on Arrest of State Representative Luis Arroyo
WHAT: Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Members of the HGOP Caucus to discuss the arrest of Illinois State Representative Luis Arroyo
WHEN: 1230PM TODAY
WHERE: Capitol Blueroom (Springfield)
…Adding… Sun-Times…
Arroyo’s office released a statement Monday, saying that he “would politely decline to answer any questions concerning today’s events. Suffice it to say that Rep. Arroyo entered a plea of not guilty and believes that he will eventually be completely vindicated of the charges against him.”
I’m told the governor will be issuing a statement soonish.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:02 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: Lots of folks tied to the federal probe were connected to Tobolski’s government-owned hangout
Next Post: *** UPDATED x5 - Pritzker responds - Durkin to initiate proceeding to kick Arroyo out if he doesn’t resign today*** Feds: Arroyo offered $2,500 per month to unnamed Senator who was already cooperating with the feds
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Where’s Arte Johnson peeking out from behind a plant when you need him?
Comment by Northsider Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:04 am
Another corruption headline with a Chairman attached to it. Is this some sort of pattern?
Comment by Steve Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:05 am
Another day, another indicted Illinois Democrat. It’s hardly news anymore.
Comment by Token Conservative Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:05 am
*Opens popcorn*
The dominoes continue to fall
Comment by Perrid Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:06 am
Arroyo very close to Hispanic owned firm that does a good deal of business with Com Ed.
Wonder if that what it is about.
Comment by Com Ed Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:06 am
Well there’s a topic for the caucus meeting.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:07 am
The complaint against Mr. Arroyo might fill in some blanks we have…. maybe?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:09 am
Finally, something for the the Chicago media to report on on this slow news day. /s
Comment by Montrose Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:09 am
The fact that Arroyo was arrested means the feds feel they have enough evidence on Arroyo and an indictment must be pending.
Comment by Steve Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:11 am
=== The fact that Arroyo was arrested means the feds feel they have enough evidence on Arroyo and an indictment must be pending.===
No, when your arrested, you are charged. He’s also being arraigned.
Anything else?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:13 am
If Sen. Sandoval has to resign his chairmanship because of a search warrant, what should Rep Arroyo do after he’s been arrested? Resign altogether? Clearly he should be stripped of his Appropriations chairmanship.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:13 am
I am waiting for Veto Session to be cancelled due to a lack of quorum.
Comment by Anon Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:14 am
Either the best or worst advent calendar ever.
Comment by Anonish Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:14 am
OW
Alderman Ed Burke was charged in a criminal complaint before the feds came out with a criminal indictment.
Comment by Steve Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:17 am
=== A criminal complaint charged Arroyo, a state legislator since late 2006, with bribery of a state official.===
and…
===… include $5,000 on September 24th from Rick Heidner’s Gold Rush Amusements, Inc. He received $2,500 that same day from ComEd.===
There’s the case. Now let’s watch.
Whew. Same day. Ugh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:17 am
I think Trump should get out the pardon pen tonight. Start with Blago. Wont be long all of our political taxpayers will be declaring Colorado residency.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:18 am
=== was charged===
Yep, that’s how arrests work.
I’m done, thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:18 am
Katie Hill resigned Congress over nothing . They should all resign or be kicked out.
Comment by Not a Billionaire Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:20 am
=== Katie Hill===
1) California
2) Congress
3) Not Illinois
Not a true example.
We now have an indicted state Senator, state Representative, Chicago Alderman… all sitting.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:23 am
Wasn’t Sandoval and Arroyo (as Capital Committee chair) the one’s who both attended a Tollway board meeting demanding that a particular firm’s contract be approved in 2016?
Comment by Billy Sunday Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:24 am
O’ father, where art thou?
Comment by City Zen Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:26 am
===Whew. Same day. Ugh.===
We don’t know when he necessarily got the check you only need to report once the check is deposited.
Comment by DTAG Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:29 am
=== We don’t know when he necessarily got the check you only need to report once the check is deposited.===
Good point, so they were deposited the same day?
The same “ugh” remains.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:30 am
Spartacus 3 sounds like a conflict of interest machine.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:31 am
@OW
Indicted State Senator - T. Cullerton
Indicted State Rep. - Arroyo
Indicted Alderman - Burke, and Moreno (you forgot about him)
But you left out the several honorable mentions as to aldercreatures under investigation: Austin, Munoz, and Cochran; and Senators under suspicion: Sandoval.
Comment by Just Another Anon Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:33 am
Someone got their trick early. I wonder who this is designed to put pressure on….
Comment by Fav human Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:35 am
From McKinney:
“Govt’s bribery case against Rep Luis Arroyo involves effort to pay an unnamed Illinois state senator on behalf of a lobbying client to advance gambling sweepstakes legislation, US Atty spox says. The spokesman would not say whether that unnamed senator is Marty Sandoval.”
Comment by Ok Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:35 am
A couple of real banner months for Illinois Democrats. /s
Comment by Stark Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:37 am
There should be a law forbidding legislators from owning lobbying firms or doing “consulting” for business with public business before local governments.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:37 am
=== But you left out===
No i didn’t.
I see the “innocent until proven guilty part of your excitement is missing.
All three above are presumed innocent too. I’m guessing you disagree, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:37 am
@OW
Seems like your summary of IL politicians was missing those currently under investigation. I forgot Dorothy Brown too, but that investigation has been going on so long…
Comment by Just Another Anon Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:41 am
What I find interesting is that despite all of the public raids going on right now, Arroyo was arrested on Friday and nobody heard a peep about it until today.
Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:41 am
=== Dorothy Brown===
You holding your breath for her too?
lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:42 am
Going to need a score card to keep track of who has been arrested, under suspicion, or has been named in a warrant.
Going to need one of those wall picture charts with the lines of connection between the various politicians.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:42 am
@Powdered Wig
Looks like the USA for the ND is a pretty good plumber. Seems like he’s plugged all the leaks.
Comment by Just Another Anon Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:42 am
@OW
===Good point, so they were deposited the same day?===
These checks are $1,000 or greater. Meaning Campaign Finance laws say you must file an A-1 report. The report is triggered by the funds being deposited in the bank not when you receive the check. Most Treasurer’s deposit these A-1 contributions at the same time so they file all the A-1’s together.
Point of this is that the timing of the A-1’s might not be tied to when the checks were received. We can’t call a conspiracy off of this. That doesn’t mean the Feds don’t have more information.
Comment by Nagidam Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:43 am
OW:
With the utmost respect, the feds generally don’t arrest someone unless they think they can get a conviction. It’s true it’s only an arrest and we are all innocent until proven guilty. But I would argue that the feds don’t generally arrest unless they have the goods on you. We’ll see.
Either way the ick around here keeps getting ickier. I keep waiting for the feds to pull a paddywagon up to the Capitol and leading everyone into the back.
Comment by Demoralized Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:44 am
=== Point of this is that the timing of the A-1’s might not be tied to when the checks were received. … That doesn’t mean the Feds don’t have more information.===
We’ll find out more at trial, that’s for sure. Yep.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:45 am
I heard him once say pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered. Ever since then I have been wondering when he would get slaughtered because I felt if anyone is a hog its him.
Comment by BigLou Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:46 am
@OW
My idle speculation is that she is one of the cooperators who started the ball rolling on this. The GJ was impaneled in 2017, right about the middle of the time the feds started to really put the pressure on her and the Patel.
Comment by Just Another Anon Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:47 am
= I think Trump should get out the pardon pen tonight. Start with Blago. =
It’s more likely that Trump will claim he doesn’t know and never met Blago. Why would he help out Illinois Democrats?
Comment by cover Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:48 am
=== My idle speculation is…===
Watch what does happen. We’ll know.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:48 am
It’s all a Halas Hall “Wag the Dog” scheme. /s
Comment by Skeptic Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:48 am
It took the House 5 months to kick out Derrick Smith. I wonder how long it will take to kick out Arroyo.
Comment by Just Me 2 Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:58 am
Rich. Is there a way in which you can establish either a scorecard or family tree on all this corruption? Us downstaters have a hard time keeping up on this.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 11:58 am
@ow
I may be misunderstanding what you were saying, but you can be arrested without being charged. Police officers make arrests. Prosecutors bring charges. A police officer who sees me jaywalking may arrest me, but that doesn’t mean the State’s Attorney will charge me.
Comment by Twirling Towards Freedom Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:00 pm
=== but you can be arrested without being charged. Police officers make arrests. Prosecutors bring charges. A police officer who sees me jaywalking may arrest me, but that doesn’t mean the State’s Attorney will charge me.===
How long can they hold you?
Explain the process. Thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:03 pm
If you get arrested for jaywalking, that’s what they are charging you.
Ugh.
=== I’ve been watching this sweepstakes issue for a different reason. We’ll see if this leads to where I think it might.===
Dots might be connected, finally.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:05 pm
remember when he got his son elected Commissioner? what a freak show. to me, from personal observations, he’s always seemed to be the living embodiment of….ubi est mea.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:11 pm
Blue Dog a flow chart would be nice. Top to bottom and family connections.
Comment by Nivea Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:15 pm
I think theres some confusion around process so let me try to help. When dealing with federal courts, a criminal defendant must be presented with an indictment from a grand jury for the process to move forward according to the 5th amendment. When the feds arrest and charge prior to that indictment, it generally means they have the goods on the accused. The FBI doesn’t just go arrest people. They either witness the commission of the crime and arrest, get an arrest warrant from a judge or have an indictment in hand from a grand jury. The process at play here makes this an unusual and eyebrow raising move imho.
Comment by ImHere Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:16 pm
As always….follow the money. What happened to old school cash stuffed envelopes?
Comment by Bruce Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:24 pm
Info from other thread indicates federal law enforcement witnessed the alleged crime. The urgency might be explained by the start of veto session and the need to get the information out that some legislation may have been influenced in a corrupt fashion.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:29 pm
Not uncommon to arrest a federal defendant on an FBI affidavit. You need probable cause which is a pretty high burden to obtain the arrest warrant. Feds then have usually 30 days to indict but it is routinely extended. No one should think this arrest was a lark. This investigation is in the third inning of what will surpass operation Board games
Comment by Sue Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 12:53 pm
I see the mandatory ethics training is really working to clean up State government.
Comment by revvedup Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:04 pm
I hate to seem dense but what is sweepstakes legislation? Something beneficial to Publisher’s Clearinghouse?
Comment by Arthur Shelby Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:13 pm
Iamhere-There is nothing extraordinary with the process used here. When you have a recording of the commission of a crime it’s routine for an FBI affidavit to be filed with the court and to apply for an arrest warrant
Comment by Sue Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:16 pm
Can we take a moment to appreciate the choice that was made in naming the consultant company — after a 1st Century BCE slave that lead a slave revolt against the Romans with mixed results.
I mean, what on earth relevance does Spartacus have to do with anything this guy was doing with the entity?
But the irony of a politician naming the entity they were funneling bribes through after a person that revolted against the connected elite and ultimately defeated one of their more notable commanders is delightful.
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:16 pm
Found my answer in the comments to the more updated post.
Comment by Arthur Shelby Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:20 pm
In my opinion, You have the infrastructure stuff with Sandoval and Arroyo, you have the Mesirow/ Madigans kid insurance angle with the Suburban Mayors under the Fed’s micro scope. You have the Com Ed rate lobbying and the sudden resignations and Com Ed lobbyists paying Quinn to keep him afloat. You have Burke under indictment and they havent even started looking at if he ever colluded with his wife on the Supreme court for his clients, all this is pointing to who rolls first on 1 guy at the center of the bulls eye to save their skin. IMO once the word gets out that Madigan is severely wounded its going to break wide open. In the immortal words of Led Zepplin ” If it keeps on rainin’, levee’s goin’ to break”
Comment by Paul Powell's Shoebox Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:23 pm
=== they havent even started looking at if he ever colluded with his wife on the Supreme court for his clients===
Mighty big speculation there… we’ll see.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:26 pm
=== they havent even started looking at if he ever colluded with his wife on the Supreme court for his clients===
Here’s the thing, there’s been the cases of discussion… but now that statement goes to the criminal?
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:28 pm
Could someone explain to me what the sweepstakes ordinance is? I get that it has to do with video gambling machines to an extent right?
I’ve read a bunch on it and am still confused. Any help would be appreciated.
Comment by Driving a car Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:35 pm
Oswego Willie, have you read the book “Three Felonies a Day”? Basically, it describes the process and power the G can bring down to prove a case. The book’s main take away is to not fall into the prosecutorial trap, which clearly both the gentleman from the SW side and potentially their wives through their political day jobs are subject to review and are in currently.
Comment by Paul Powell's Shoebox Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:38 pm
=== potentially===
I’ll watch what does happens, thanks.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:41 pm
Clearly Oswego Willie does not understand leverage and it uses and implications
Comment by Paul Powell's Shoebox Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:54 pm
Clearly you can’t spell Willy or realize we only know what we know, without speculating on the Chief Justice of Illinois.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:57 pm
Sue - imo, it’s always unusual for the DOJ to make an arrest of an elected public official prior to indictment. That generally means they witnessed the illegal act. And it generally also means that they’re trying to prevent further corrupt activities with the arrest. See Blagojevich, Rod.
In my defense, i made that post prior to the thread above, so I didn’t know about the CW or the physical surveillance, but those are the factors I was assuming were at play and are what raised my eyebrows.
Comment by ImHere Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 1:59 pm
Is there anyone who’s spent more than 5 minutes with Arroyo who is surprised by this development? I doubt it.
Comment by TopHatMonocle Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 2:00 pm
Mr Governor, when you start spending that large amount of capital that involved IDOT, I have one word for you: TRANSPARENCY
Comment by R A T Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 2:13 pm
=====Clearly you can’t spell Willy or realize we only know what we know, without speculating on the Chief Justice of Illinois====
Willie, I quote the great native son, “Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don’t know we don’t know. And if one looks throughout the history of our country and other free countries, it is the latter category that tend to be the difficult ones.”
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 2:49 pm
===Willie===
Choose a name, learn to spell, get back to all of us, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 2:50 pm
Let’s get back on topic, please.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 2:53 pm
FWIW, folks, I identify (and vote) as a Democrat. But I am happy as heck to see this happen. I have nothing personal against the Representative, except that it looks very much like he’s dirty. And the more dirty politicians we get out of office, the better off this state will be.
I’m sure that the Republicans are licking their lips right now, dreaming of taking control. Look to your own house, folks. I doubt VERY seriously that one arty has a monopoly on corruption.
Comment by Mr. Smith Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 3:26 pm
===Going to need a score card to keep track===
Let’s play BINGO
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 3:38 pm
====In the immortal words of Led Zepplin ” If it keeps on rainin’, levee’s goin’ to break” ====
Led Zeppelin covered that song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swhEa8vuP6U
I doubt the GOP will pickup this seat. I agree with the notion that Arroyo is low hanging fruit that the feds are going to leverage to go after bigger fish. He walked into this one and it will end up killing the feds wire they had on a Senator for three years but so be it. This is their chess match now.
Comment by frisbee Monday, Oct 28, 19 @ 10:45 pm