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Feds are also looking at the Crestwood mayor’s mileage reimbursements

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Illinois

* We already knew that the feds had interviewed Crestwood’s mayor, but we hadn’t yet seen this subpoena. Here’s Joe Mahr in the Tribune…

Federal authorities sought information related to $27,000 worth of expense reimbursements to Crestwood’s mayor as part of a government corruption investigation that stretches from the southwest suburbs to the statehouse.

The subpoena to Crestwood, obtained by the Tribune through an open records request, resulted in records that touch on some of the same people and same towns that have arisen in the federal probe.

While that wide-ranging effort remains undefined for the public, the Crestwood subpoena was dated Sept. 26, around the same time authorities conducted raids at village halls in McCook and Lyons, as well as the Capitol office of Democratic state Sen. Martin Sandoval.

Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta’s mileage reimbursements show he frequently reported traveling to McCook, including for meetings with Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty. And Presta’s calendar lists a meeting with “Mr. Madigan,” though both the mayor and House Speaker Michael Madigan maintain it never took place.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:08 am

Comments

This story again raises more questions than answers. If Madigan didn’t meet with the guy,he didn’t meet with the guy no matter what the calendar says.

Comment by Steve Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:14 am
Seems like the Feds have finally declared open season on the tiny suburban fiefdoms and their petty (in multiple meanings of the word) lords.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:15 am
Well…makes sense. Crestwood is on a river/canal, too.

Operation River Rats?

Comment by Ok Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:19 am
“Seems like the Feds have finally declared open season on the tiny suburban fiefdoms and their petty (in multiple meanings of the word) lords”

Big Things Have Small Beginnings

Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:20 am
Also can I say my favorite part is the extra 130 miles charged for a trip to Springfield and back, and the excuse that he just missed Springfield and drove almost to St Louis before realizing it? There’s what, 8 exits on 55 over the course of 15 miles for Springfield?

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:20 am
Ron Burgundy that sort of driving error would lead a guy to a Cardinal game,drinks, and a stop at Larry Flints Hustler Club. Not that I have ever had that happen…

Comment by Nieva Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:30 am
Presta told the Tribune he’s done nothing wrong and agents have not asked to speak with him! Well he must have forgot how the Sun Times reported and confirmed he has been visited and he claims he answered the questions.
This guy has a shirt memory it seems which goes along with forgetting how to get to Springfield.
It’s also funny how he uses that same company Safe Speed that Tobolskys chief of Staff Doherty works for.

Comment by Long Time R Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:35 am
=== There’s what, 8 exits on 55 over the course of 15 miles for Springfield ===

Not to mention a hard left turn of practically 90 degrees, just as that series of exits begins, to get the driver’s attention. His claim that he missed Springfield is preposterous.

Comment by Louis Capricious Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:39 am
== the excuse that he just missed Springfield … ==

One time coming back from Chicago a friend took over driving in Bloomington. Long day so I crashed. Woke up to find us almost into Champaign because he stayed left and missed I-55 to Springfield at the south edge of Bloomington.

But it would be pretty hard to miss all 6 of the Springfield exits …

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:49 am
Given Madigan’s son is somehow also involved it could be possible he met with the son. I find it odd Madigan would go somehwhere to meet them, wouldn’t you think they would go to somewhere Madigan knows.

Comment by BigLou Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:50 am
== There’s what, 8 exits on 55 over the course of 15 miles for Springfield ==

Actually only 6 on I-55, MacArthur and Veterans are I-72 only.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:52 am
The most appalling part of the story is this Mayor charges his residents for the honor of having him drive through the town he serves.

Comment by Michael Westen Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:19 am
- RNUG - Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 9:52 am:

== There’s what, 8 exits on 55 over the course of 15 miles for Springfield ==

Actually only 6 on I-55, MacArthur and Veterans are I-72 only.
—————

I counted 8 on I-55 between Exits 88 & 105–if you want to include the Chatham and Sherman exits:

–88: Chatham
–90: Toronto Rd.
–92: 72 West & South 6th
–94: Stevenson
–96: South Grand
–98: Clear Lake/72 East
–100: Sangamon Ave/IL-54
–105: Sherman

Comment by Leatherneck Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:34 am
OK, now that the exit ramp mystery has been solved, can we move on, please?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:35 am
@Rich

Why did my comment on mileage Reimbursement get moderated?

Comment by Nagidam Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:39 am
Know we’re supposed to drop the exit ramp issue, but how is he able to drive 30,40 or 60 miles around 3.1 square mile Crestwood? No exit signs to look for On neighborhood streets.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:40 am
No one has taken any real action against Auditor General Mautino for similar alleged violations.
Is this just different because of the Feds?

Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 10:57 am
Rotund and hungry for just little more. Lou Presta is a fellow with a voracious appetite. Mileage is right up his ally and could afford him some pocket money for some midnight snacks.

Comment by Four dinners Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 12:43 pm
“But it would be pretty hard to miss all 6 of the Springfield exits …”

Distracted driving. There is a law against that, ya know.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 12:48 pm
@Rich

In regard to my comment can I call someone a “low information Kiester” instead?

Comment by Nagidam Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 12:52 pm
Ron Burgundy - “open season on the tiny suburban fiefdoms and their petty (in multiple meanings of the word) lords.”

I believe that is what are brave men & women on the military front lines would call “a target rich environment” … /s

Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 1:51 pm
So do you think Lou is through?

Comment by Text Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 4:15 pm
Guessing there might be more than one Mr. MADIGAN in the Crestwood area. Those Tribbies are regular gumshoes

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Oct 30, 19 @ 5:06 pm