Lester Crowder, Bribery Facilitation, Illinois 2018

A federal jury in Chicago has delivered a guilty verdict against Lester Crowder, a 73-year-old former building inspector for the City of Harvey, Illinois, on five counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to facilitate violations of the Illinois state bribery statute.

The evidence presented during the trial revealed that between February and April 2018, Crowder met nine times with an individual who claimed to be looking to open a nightclub in Harvey. During these meetings, Crowder allegedly communicated that the individual would need to pay up to $50,000 in cash bribes to obtain the nightclub property and the necessary permits.

According to the evidence, Crowder collected approximately $13,000 in bribe payments from the cooperating individual, who was secretly recording their conversations with the FBI. Additionally, Crowder was captured on court-authorized recordings confirming his intent to accept bribes.

The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent in Charge of the Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Franzblau and Megan DeMarco. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled before the Honorable Martha Pacold.

Each count of the conviction could carry a sentence of up to five years in federal prison. Crowder's sentencing will determine the exact length of his prison term.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in public office and the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-city-harvey-employee-found-guilty-five-counts-facilitating-bribery