December 11, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Former police chief convicted of bribery; man sentenced for fraud

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former police chief convicted of bribery

A federal jury has convicted a former Summit, Illinois police chief of bribery offenses for corruptly accepting money from a local businessman to facilitate the transfer of a liquor license.

Prosecutors say John Kosmowski, 57, of Lockport conspired with Summit building inspector William Mundy to accept $10,000 from a businessman in 2017.

Kosmowski’s sentencing is set for March 27, 2026.

Man sentenced for fraud

An Indian national has been sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution for his involvement in an imposter scheme to defraud 11 identified victims, including elderly residents from Edwardsville and Effingham, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Ligneshkumar H. Patel, 38, pleaded guilty several fraud charges.

According to court documents, Patel worked within a major conspiracy that included at least 85 additional victims with an intended loss of more than $6.9 million.

Gift card crime warnings

The Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association is sounding the alarm about gift card fraud.

The group says organized criminal groups tamper with cards, hack online accounts and scam victims into providing redemption codes.

ILORCA pointed to a list of warning signs offered by Homeland Security Investigations at the agency’s website.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield School Board.2

Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings

The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review

Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities

The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025

Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick-Simpson-1752666343

Patrick Randel Simpson

Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
Roy-Hock-1752681748

Roy Lee Hock

Roy Lee Hock, age 68, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Twin Lakes Extended Care Facility in Paris, IL. He was born...
The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm. Pictured (l to r) in front of the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle are Chris Snedeker, Jay Marwell, Teresa Winnett, Jeff Winnett, Marcy Mumford, Megan Peavler, Sharon Durham, Kurt Squires, Tom Daughhetee, and Brian Hancock.

Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.38 AM

Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate

Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city's financial priorities and the festival's growing...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.13 AM

Casey Moves Forward with Hotel Feasibility Study and TIF District Analysis

Casey City Council approved two economic development initiatives Monday night aimed at increasing tourism revenue and expanding development opportunities in the community. Council members unanimously approved a hotel feasibility study...
Meeting Briefs

Casey City Council July 7 Meeting Briefs

Police Vehicle Purchase: Casey City Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe squad car for $54,864 from Mike Chevrolet. The vehicle was budgeted in last year's appropriations but...
Donna-Wilson

Donna K. Wilson

Donna K. Wilson, age 82, of Martinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. She was born on...
cooling

Cooling Centers Available

When temperatures exceed 90°F, individuals beyond the senior demographic face potential risks if their cooling mechanisms malfunction. The Township, Senior Center, and Emergency Management Agency (E.M.A.) offer a cooling center...
no carts

No Carts in Fairview Park Walking Paths

The Casey Police Department wants to remind residents that no golf carts, ATVs, or motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the walking and biking path in Fairview Park,...