A brazen scheme to extort money from a Chicago strip club has landed a 71-year-old man in hot water. Rommell Kellogg, of Harvey, Ill., was convicted in federal court of obtaining money by threat from the strip club in a Chicago suburb.
According to evidence presented at trial, Kellogg and his co-conspirator, Corey Johnson, 68, of Dolton, Ill., conspired to demand and collect payments from the strip club based on threats that the city of Harvey would potentially interfere with the club’s operations if the payments were not made. The two cousins, whose relatives served in high-ranking positions in Harvey government, pulled off this racket for 15 whole years, from 2003 to 2018.
The scheme involved bi-weekly payments of $3,000, which were received by Johnson and delivered to Kellogg. Johnson, who pleaded guilty to a theft charge prior to trial, is awaiting sentencing. Kellogg, on the other hand, was convicted on all five counts against him, including conspiracy to commit theft and intimidation and causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation.
Each count of conviction is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. However, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman did not immediately set a sentencing date. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Franzblau and Megan DeMarco.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Thomas J. Dart, Cook County Sheriff.
Kellogg’s conviction is a significant blow to those involved in public corruption and white-collar crime. It serves as a reminder that the law will not tolerate such egregious behavior and that those who engage in it will face the full force of justice.
The case against Kellogg and Johnson is a stark example of the corrupting influence of power and the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. It is a victory for the people of Harvey and the surrounding communities, who can now rest a little easier knowing that those responsible for this scheme have been brought to justice.
In the end, Kellogg’s actions have consequences, and he will now face the music for his crimes. His conviction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring wrongdoers to justice.
The case against Kellogg is a reminder that public corruption and white-collar crime will not be tolerated in this country. The law will be enforced, and those who break it will be held accountable.
Rommell Kellogg, 71, of Harvey, Ill., was convicted Monday on all five counts against him, including conspiracy to commit theft and intimidation and causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation.
Defendant: Rommell Kellogg
Criminal Charges: Obtaining money by threat, conspiracy to commit theft and intimidation, causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation
City and State: Chicago, Illinois
Exact Date: Not specified (Monday)
Sentence or Outcome: Convicted, awaiting sentencing
Dollar Amounts: $3,000 (bi-weekly payments)
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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