In a recent development, the owner of a construction company based in Chicago has been charged with conspiracy to bribe a public official and using a cell phone to facilitate acts of bribery. The accused, Alex Nitchoff, allegedly conspired with known and unknown individuals to bribe Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office. Memisovski, in his role as a Commercial Group Leader, assessed property values and reviewed property tax appeals for commercial properties in Cook County. Nitchoff and others provided him with various gifts and services in exchange for favorable treatment in their appeals. The charges carry a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison.
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Charges and Allegations
Conspiracy to bribe a public official
On March 27, 2023, the owner of a Chicago area construction company, Alex Nitchoff, was charged with one count of conspiracy to bribe a public official. According to the information provided, Nitchoff allegedly conspired with other individuals to bribe Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office. The alleged conspiracy took place between 2016 and June 2019.
Using a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate bribery
In addition to the charge of conspiracy to bribe a public official, Nitchoff also faced two counts of using a facility in interstate commerce, specifically a cell phone, to facilitate acts of bribery. These charges are based on allegations that Nitchoff used his cell phone to coordinate and communicate with Memisovski in relation to the bribery scheme.
Parties Involved
Owner of Chicago area construction company
Alex Nitchoff, the owner of a Chicago area construction company, is the primary party involved in the alleged bribery scheme. Nitchoff is accused of conspiring with others to bribe Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office.
Lavdim Memisovski, employee of Cook County Assessor’s Office
Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office, is the public official who was allegedly bribed by Nitchoff and his associates. Memisovski held the position of Commercial Group Leader in the Assessor’s Office and was responsible for assessing property values for commercial properties and reviewing property tax appeals. It is alleged that Memisovski accepted various items of value in exchange for using his position to benefit Nitchoff and his associates.
Timeline of Alleged Conspiracy
The alleged conspiracy to bribe Lavdim Memisovski took place from approximately 2016 to June 2019. During this time, Nitchoff and his associates are accused of providing Memisovski with various items of value in an attempt to influence him in connection with his work as a Commercial Group Leader in the Cook County Assessor’s Office.
Role of Lavdim Memisovski
Lavdim Memisovski held the position of Commercial Group Leader in the Cook County Assessor’s Office. As a Commercial Group Leader, his responsibilities included assessing property values for commercial properties and reviewing property tax appeals. Memisovski’s position gave him significant influence over property assessments and appeals relating to commercial properties in Cook County.
Items of Value Provided to Lavdim Memisovski
As part of the alleged bribery scheme, Nitchoff and his associates are accused of providing Memisovski with various items of value. These items included home improvement materials, home improvement services, contracts for electrical work, jewelry, meals, and sporting event tickets. The intent behind providing these items of value was to influence Memisovski in connection with his work as a Commercial Group Leader in the Cook County Assessor’s Office.
Intention of Providing Items of Value
The items of value provided to Lavdim Memisovski by Nitchoff and his associates were intended to influence Memisovski in connection with his work as a Commercial Group Leader. By providing these items, Nitchoff hoped to gain favorable treatment for himself, his construction company, and his business associates in the assessment of property values and the resolution of property tax appeals.
Forgery and Manipulation of Property Assessments
As part of the alleged bribery scheme, Lavdim Memisovski is accused of forging and manipulating property assessments to benefit Alex Nitchoff and his associates. Memisovski ensured that appeals of property assessments related to Nitchoff and his business associates were routed to himself, giving him control over the assessment process. Additionally, Memisovski extended deadlines for the filing of appeals and reduced assessed property values, further benefiting Nitchoff and his associates.
Official Announcement of Charges
The charges against Alex Nitchoff and the details of the alleged bribery conspiracy were officially announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Legal Representation
Alex Nitchoff is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vikas Didwania and Thomas P. Peabody. They will argue his case and present evidence on his behalf.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
If convicted of the bribery charge, Alex Nitchoff could face up to five years in federal prison. Each charge of using a facility of interstate commerce in relation to bribery carries a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison as well. The Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the charges and any mitigating factors present in the case.
In conclusion, Alex Nitchoff, the owner of a Chicago area construction company, has been charged with conspiracy to bribe a public official and using a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate bribery. The alleged bribery scheme involved Lavdim Memisovski, an employee of the Cook County Assessor’s Office, who was responsible for assessing property values and reviewing property tax appeals for commercial properties. Nitchoff and his associates allegedly provided Memisovski with various items of value in an attempt to influence his decisions and actions in connection with his work. The legal consequences for Nitchoff, if convicted, include a possible sentence of up to five years in federal prison for each charge. The sentencing will be determined based on federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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