CICERO – The red-light camera company SafeSpeed, LLC could be at the center of a federal probe that the Sun-Times is saying may have prompted visits from the feds in the last few weeks.
From the Sun Times Oct 1 story:
As part of the wide-ranging investigation, the feds executed search warrants at the village halls of McCook and Lyons last week as well as the insurance agency office of Lyons Mayor Chris Getty. The feds also interviewed the mayors of Summit and Crestwood, which has not been previously reported.
SafeSpeed’s CEO is Nikki Zollar, a former high-ranking state government official. One of the company’s paid consultants is Patrick Doherty, who is the chief of staff to Cook County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski. Tobolski doubles as the mayor of McCook.
SafeSpeed has been generous to Illinois politicians over the years, the Sun-Times pointed out.
Illinois politicians have reported receiving $144,200 in campaign contributions from SafeSpeed since 2011. The company’s largest single donation of $10,000 was given to state Sen. Martin Sandoval in 2016, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.
The Illinois State Board of Elections shows 77 different contributions to politicians, including Crestwood's Mayor Lou Presta – who reportedly got a visit from the feds.
Also listed is Cook Co President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook Co State's Attorney Kimberly Foxx and other important mayors – many of which have SafeSpeed cameras in their jurisdictions.
But it wasn't just Democrats to which SafeSpeed wrote campaign checks.
There's also a few Democrat organizations, a few neighborhood groups, and yes, a few Republicans.
Republicans like House MInority Leader Jim Durkin, who received $7500 from SafeSpeed LLC. And retired State Rep. David Reis and Norinne Hammond. Also St Rep. Terri Bryant, as well as $2500 to 2010 GOP gubernatorial candidate – now talk show host Dan Proft.
Those who've been interviewed by the feds insist their questions had nothing to do with SafeSpeed, LLC, the Sun-Times report said.
