This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
They would need to file charges first. And it would need to be bigger than two people being paid more due to job responsibility change.
if you throw maybe intimidation and whistleblower statutes, or the alleged mercury dumping at the power plant, it gets more federal case worthy.
Now is when the person who named names on this very blog about City employees dumping mercury needs to speak up... Not like they did on a blog. And since they are down here anyway, Kristy should hand over her greatest hits.
Have to make it worth there while to charge criminal malfeasance and activity.
The election results for the alderman at large could have had a different result if the article regarding the FBI investigation would have been in the paper on Monday instead of Wednesday. Hope the FBI DOES A THROUGH INVESTGATION AND INTERVIEWS THE SPW WHO RESIGNED SHORTLY AFTER HE WERE HIRED. That in itself throws up a red flag.
The FBI interviewed Bartley, Harl knew nothing. Very strange! A day after election the article was published. Strange. Might the election results have been different is article was in paper on Monday instead if Wednesday. Wonder what Bartley meant by "other matters". STRANGE. Are these closed session meeting topics coming out of the closet? Transparency. Harl was frugal with money paying these employees.
Home Rule is a form of government which its true success depends upon the honesty of those in charge of that government. The FBI white collar division is in Peru carrying on investigations of Peru which has the home rule form of government. Therefore is it logical to suspect that Peru will be investigated upon the entire time it has been governed by Home Rule since 1974. This will be a very educational and interesting investigation if there is truth to the theory that at the change of administrations past city treasurer and than elected city clerk in 2009 was left with no historical records and the hard drive and computer were purchased by the outgoing city clerk for $200.00. Bartley being city Treasurer from 2005 until being elected city clerk in 2009 and now present Treasurer/Budget Director Gary Hylla who assumed Treasurer responsibilities after appointment in 2009 will be the replacements of that hard drive if all is true. Past SPW/City Engineer will also have a quite a story to spin to his friends of his 5 months in Peru. Of course what Bartley and Hylla have knowledge of will only be a start to the valuable background that the City Attorney of 30+ years years of Peru government legal representation will be able to share. How many others besides the City Treasurer/Clerk, City Attorney, Chief of Police, Human Resource Manager, and the Mayors/Building Inspectors Clerk and some aldermen are on the city payrolls for more than the Harl administration?
As a city employee that I am, this FBI thing is real and it's scarey. They are looking at just more than current issues, ever heard of joint ventures to purchase property with baker while he was mayor?
Mr. Baker has more to worry about now then at large referendum.
Also, since I have first hand knowledge...why are they asking about campaign contributions by me and other coworkers?
The FBI is in town because of one reason - Rodney perez's ego. He voted to hire the judge. When he didn't like the judges report he went to the states attorney. When he didn't like the states atty he went to state police. When they refused to investigate he went to FBI. Rodney has a personal vendetta against the mayor and he doesn't care if the city suffers. In fact in some sadistic way he wants the city to suffer to prove he was right all along. What a joke. I can't wait to cast my vote against this guy next April. Even if he loses he'll be happy as long as the newspaper article is about him that day!
The judge did not investigate. He was hired to ask carefully worded questions and write a report. An investigator listens to the answers and asks the "five whys" to discover the underlying problem. This always leads to more questions. A word of caution for anyone talking to the FBI. You either answer truthfully or you don't answer. If you lie, even through omission, it is a crime.
7:39 am - Your attitude is indicative of a very serious problem in Peru. You are more concerned about the image of Peru than the "ethical behavior" of its elected officials. Stop and think about that. You, like most of the current and former aldermen don't give a damn about the rampant lack of integrity by the elected officials in this city. You would sweep any wrong-doing by Peru officials, past or present, under the rug and then breath a sigh of relief that they dodged another bullet. This is exactly the type of Status Quo thinking that has rotted this city from the inside out for decades. You are the joke my friend! A very inappropriate joke! You can't wait to cast your vote against an alderman that demands accountability from himself and others? Instead you will gladly vote for another flunky to join the current group of phony aldermen who have done their best to avoid subjecting Peru to any legitimate investigations. You and others like you are without question the most backward thinking and misguided group of people I have ever encountered. You need to get a damn clue about honesty and ethics in government!
7:39 That is not entirely true. Keep an eye on the FOIA requests and the organization requesting them from this point on.
Mr Perez is hardly the sole person to request assistance from the FBI regarding Peru.
I have no intent to harm the City of Peru, but by the citys actions, they have shown a clear disregard for the harm they are doing to me and my family.
The news tribune is late to the party on this one, but they are not the only media investigative resource in the USA.
I applaud a person, any person to take the bull by the horns and do what's right. Who wouldn't want their city to be governed in an honest capacity? The taxpayers are the people who work hard to pay their taxes to keep their city going. I see no reason why a person would have a problem with the FBI being involved. Common sense is if there is nothing to hide why be scared or mad?
It was not a police drill. I was a hospital drill. I got that from someone who was there.Police were called over by hospital to participate after drill started. Apparently one office was not not told it was drill and for quite some time actually thought it was real. Could have been bad situation. I heard person at hospital who was to handle all notification simply may have dropped the ball.
If you suspect the littlest thing or have any first hand knowledge of anything , contact the FBI . All communications remain anonymous. The investigation is being run out of the Orland Park Office of the FBI .
its too bad the FBIdidn't come into Peru in 2009 when Baker left office along with Judy. The books would have been very interesting reading. Check it out
THE FBI PHONE NUMBER LISTED ABOVE IS THE CHICAGO OFFICE. DOES THE ORLAND PARK OFFICE HAVE A DIFFERENT NUMBER? WONDER IF A LETTER WERE WRITTEN TO THE PAPER,'WHERE PHONE NUMBER IS PRINTED IF THE PAPER WOULD PRINT LETTER?
I was talking with alderman Perez on Wednesday Rod told me alderman Sapienza told him the city should've swept the payroll mess under the mat to protect the city. Is this what the citizens got? We got screwed big time. Thanks for Perez and whoever else for having the spine and courage to step over these other cowards. alderman Sapienza needs to sing and dance in his own house.
Mr. Sapienza needs to go out as fast as he came in. So proud of you Mr. Sapienza, wonder if you have family values? Children? Do you teach them to be deceitful? Where is your transparency? Sapienza would probably not admit to conversation if subpoenaed if indeed he had a conversation about sweeping it under the rug. I hope everybody gets subpoenaed or a deposition. People can't keep their stories straight!
Any tips or questions are welcomed on anything you feel should looked into. This is your opportunity to be heard and remain anonymous. The office is investigating several tips. The more people that talk the easier it will be . Honest government is every citizens right .
Maybe they can find out what liberty does with all the money they scam out of citizens . Like the steak and shrimp picnics or the open bar at Christmas parties . Or their accountant who just happens to be related to the city attorney . Let's not forget the hoards of cash kept upstairs so they don't have to pay taxes or report it to the IRS. Or why Liberty does the hiring and firing of firefighters ?
Protect the city by covering up fraud? I think it would actually improve the image of the city if somebody went to jail for committing fraud. Otherwise, people just hear the rumors and say, "well, I'm glad I didn't move my business to Peru after hearing all that." It is amazing, event the business that benefits from a $3 million no bid contract won't build a new building in Peru because they know what really goes on.
Wow 4:04 that's a lot. Liberty sure didn't put any money from all the years of fundraising(requesting donations by a mailer) to be put towards the recently purchased 700k+ fire truck. The city approved it and is covering costs. Donation money could have defrayed the cost. Where were and what were the alderman and mayor thinking not to have questioned more thoroughly this purchase. Better yet, how about the alderman on the committee for fire/safety? Are they clueless? Yes, Liberty's books should be audited from many previous years. Don't understand non-profit and having $$. Also, wasn't it mentioned months ago that Liberty had $650k+ in account? Also, the Operation Promise Donation ordeal with donation in wrong account. There's a blog title regarding this, don't know what month, but in 2013.
Wasn't their discussion regarding people signing a book for fire calls and actually not even being there or coming late or bringing their little kids to station with them, signing book but can't go to call, but still got paid. Thought I read this once upon a time. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. Investigate and question firefighters, being retired ones, ones who have resigned, and ones who have quit the department in the last several years. Would be extremely interesting.
Speaking of sweeping.....The streets and gutters in Peru are filthy with debris (a lot of it gravel from the potholes and repairs) The sweeper should be out on the job. If it's disabled, let's put $35,000 in repairing it or towards a new one. Where might we find $35,000?
Maybe the FBI should investigate the way the mayor has out of towners leave city hall because he thinks they're gonna start trouble . Maybe they should request all the tapes that were mysteriously unable to be posted on the website because the mayor looked like an a$$ bullying someone around .
How long was it before the dump truck was found in another county? Was this the same dump truck that was used for transporting the demolition from the old electric plant which was full of mercury and cancer causing agents? Where was this material dumped? The best leads in the last 7 to 8 years for the FBI would be to spend a couple of days reading Lois and Christy M's blogs, the cities computer supposedly left town with a defeated city rep . Remember when Peru practiced no bid firework contracts every year to prepare for TEST's 5th rider. How about jumping all over town to do street improving? It is great that the FBI is in town to investigate. The FBI does not determine guilt by the degree that one is aware of the level of guilt reached as all other investigating parties have done in the years ago such as the amount of money a city official could do with his own city and with and his own corporation or a ghost payroll? How many years elapsed between these two investigations? One investigation conducted by a young , local attorney and the other by a retired judge who was given a standardized 5 question quiz? Hardly a investigation but utilized as a guideline by the LaSalle County States Attorney to do his own version of no investigation. Many still remember when no one prosecuted anyone when over $500,000 was found left on a small aircraft at the Peru airport a couple of years ago. Has anyone ever done any research as to why some streets have to be repeatedly redone and others are not touched for years? How many firms originally entered bids to destroy the power plant and after going through it pulled their bid? Years ago old power plants had contacts which were made of gold and of silver and our plant was destroyed when these precious metals were worth unbelievable bucks, but I have heard that all contacts of this value were already gone with only spilled mercury left on the floor. Rumor was that some city employees refused to work in the old power pant because of toxic materials such as spilled mercury. The Peru landfill had to have metal scrap to be disposed of and it would be interesting to see how much money was turned over to the city from this scrap? Was the money collected turned back to the city, never heard of any. It would be interesting to know why so much money has to be put in the general fund and THAN redistributed to fund after fund rather than going directly to the fund the money is used. Wouldn't a truer history of the funds be created if they are taken out of one fund to be put in the fund they are going to be used in. Peru for years moved revenue and expenditures around without any check and balance system. The City clerk was designated as a city comptroller and she did all the accounting and made out all the checks put them on the shelf for the city treasurer to sign, which he did even when most of the time he did not know what he was signing. In in question ask the present city clerk he was the last treasurer before the present one, and has experience himself of this described floating accountancy. He also could tell you who gave orders to do it this way. Ask the present city clerk and the present treasurer how much historical financial background was left for them in the change of administrations 5 years ago and why? Oh! is it good business and normal procedure do only have one and the same engineering consulting firm for the last 60 years and the same no competitive bid water treatment corporation for 25 years? Are any former employees who have been left go that have a lawsuit against the city? How many court cases is Peru presently involved in? What percentage of the votes of the city council are 7-1 or 6-1 if any council members are absent? How is it that the council would not reduce its number of meetings until it changed to salary rather than pay/meeting and than reduced its meeting to 1/2 the previous schedule?
The best quote of the week was by Radtke saying they won the referendum of by being a great city council
What a dork....you used political scare tactics and over ten thousand dollars in newspaper advertising to scare your friends into voting for your cause I hardly believe it was a solid win
But I bet when previous and current alderman and former mayor are forced to turn receipts on advertising they will see they spent over Illinois election law limit and I will love to watch them pay the penalty.
I 100% know a complaint was filed with election board against them for failure to register as a pac! Good for them to learn there is a higher law in this land then don baker
The whole Judy thing was never investigated by anyone . She left with all the city info on financials , and the clerks computer . Was it never investigated because a relative of hers works in city hall ? Very fishy why she just left shortly after losing the election and never heard from again .
I heard Mueller is sabotaging the public property committee and is just making herself look like a fool . They all upset because the FBI has been talking to a lot of people and uncovering ALOT !!
There is always a reason how a person acts. In the situation of Alderman Mueller many believe that she wants to be reappointed to the Public Works Committee. Being the Junior Aldermen on the Public property Committee it would be great of her to volunteer to repeat all the great work Alderman Perez accomplished last summer with his volunteer group in the planting of flowers and beautification of Peru project. Who would have thought that Rod, Sherry, Marsha, Lois, Linda and many, many more saved the city over $66,000 in one summer. Thank you all
I don't know why any of the aldermen are upset because the FBI is talking to people. I am not upset, of course I have done nothing wrong and anyone can say the same has no reason to be upset. Anyone who is upset has a reason and the FBI is known to be the best at uncovering ALOT. If you think it is wrong the best rule is not to do it. and if you do it remember the chant "If you commit the crime be prepared to do the time. Remember the night when Harl called Alderman Perez Mr. and insulted him repeatedly at a city council meeting. Talk about someone letting their big mouth overload their fat ass I,ll bet Harl wishes he could turn the clock back to that evening.
Anon 1:36 ANYBODY and EVERYONE is worried about the FBI because EVERYTHING is NOT ABOVE-BOARD and PROPER at CITY HALL for a LONG, LONG TIME. The present administration and council inherited many prior improper business practices from the previous administration and council and instead of disclosing and discontinuing them they proceeded in the same direction.
Anon 3:15 PM No, do not feel sorry for them they had more than ample time and opportunity to correct any improprieties. Sadly overall it is apparent their desire, intelligence and abilities are lacking. A complete lack of interpretation was evidenced by one of the councils leading spokesman in that he thought that 59% of the voters backed the city council in the way they were doing their job when the vote was about changing the structure of the present council. That is the problem with numbers, they can be distorted to ones own intentions at will. Another person could say that 42% of the voters are in favor of changes in the structure of government which is significant. Significant because most votes in Peru do not succeed until voted upon a second time. What started as a small group of people are now realizing that only they can defeat themselves because now they are seeing the path to original and further needed improvements in Peru city government.
@10:15AM 8:06 AM answered your question before you asked. The current administration has held office for 5 years, previous to that Mayor Baker was in office for 44 years with several different elected officials as city clerk and treasurer. Many have been on the council in the last 49 years. Chamlin Consulting Eng, Corp has outlasted them all, with only Mayor Baker, serving longer than the City Attorney and TEST. Longevity thy name is Peru.
I knew that the wife of some appointed official was the accountant of PVAS but I did not know that the city attorneys wife was Liberty's book keeper. Does the city attorney have any responsibility of Liberty or PVAS? Appears that Peru, no matter how many people desire to be in charge, remains one big happy family. Throw the CSO on the blackboard and we all become related.
Back to the very first comment of this blog , The FBI investigates , subpeonas people to a federal grand jury those they want to talk to and those that wont talk voluntarily, they will take all their findings and present them to the US attorney and they will decide who they will charge and with what. This all will take place in Chicago . Our states attorney will have no say in the investigation . So this is good news since our town , county , and entire area is so corrupt.
I'm hearing many employees are talking and some are even turning on one another. Maybe the FBI are making deals? Also was told by a Perez family member that Perez and whoever is in on this with him turned over more information than payroll reports. I think Peru may be taken over by LaSalle if this keeps up,
@1:05 PM Our states attorney did not want or have any say in the last investigation. Up to the time that honest and reputable personnel pushed everything up to the level of the FBI, this so called investigation was nothing but a cover up with the guilty of the past 5 to 6 decades laughing at those who deserved justice. Thanks to those who brought in the FBI. This area does not know how grateful it should be. In time because of your efforts the young will have a future in our town. Complete disclosure would be a shock to most of how corrupt our town, county and entire area is and has been for a long, long time. Peru is the only town I have ever known that you don't have enough money for a parking meter one day, 3 months later you are Mayor, and after one term you own a farm. How about when the pool hall was raided for gambling and caught with very little penalty because one of the local judges was supposedly involved. These are things your never going to hear about. In the sub division west of Peru why were streets accepted by the consulting engineering firm that it appears they will have to be rebuilt every few years. What is the reason these streets will not hold up.
There are more honest employees than crooked ones . And when the FBI shows up at your door , you talk . You'd be a fool to lie or refuse to talk . Everyone is covered by the whistleblower law . A lot of us are sick of the way certain employees get away with anything and steal from the city . Its not fair or right . And its not just current workers and supers , everyone is gonna be shocked with how much info the feds already have . People are coming from many businesses that have had dirty dealings with Peru over the last 40+ years and handing over cases of evidence they've saved just in case . The people are taking back Peru and the employees are making this town an honest employer . A lot of us have talked . Those that refuse will be subpoena'd in open court and if they lie , too bad for them . Federal prison doesn't sound like fun . Ask Blago !
For the armchair lawyers out there, in general, the Federal Statute of Limitations for non-capital crimes is five years. This is covered under Title 18, USC 3282 and it covers almost every non-violent Federal crime.
“Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed.”
There is an exception for major fraud against the US Government. Major Fraud against the US Government must involve more than $1,000,000. In this case, the Statute of Limitations is seven years.
If the FBI is still investigating anything, it happened within the last five years.
Anon 5:56 5 years or 55 years the names are still the same, if not changed by marriage. Goodness 5 years or 55 years some of the individuals are still the same. The FBI would not be here if nothing was wrong legally. Also it may have taken the actions of this administration to get them here but the foundation was set when these guys were wet behind the ears. I thought it outstanding for a history of FBI interviewees to be listed in a recent advertisement in the local paper which no one was listed as sponsor. Why didn't they list their phone numbers with their names and years in office.
When a person is subpoenaed for a trial, questions come out of the woodwork. With financials for example an explanation is inevitable. Here is where the problem arises. When a person lies on something, they will get tripped over by another person or another lie. Don't remember what they have lied about. The vicious circle of lies. Honesty is the best policy. What is that saying? "karma". To all the people who have been questioned and will be, my advise to you is one of the Ten Commandments. "Thou shall not lie." The best thing that could happen is a "trial."
5:46 that is one reason that the power plant demolition is so relevant. Both sub contractors who participated will be receiving subpoena and be deposed.
ha ha ha. "They" got this stuff so hidden that nobody, and I meand nobody, is going to find any illegal activities that can be proven. We are going to send the Feds packing, because this is Peru and we do things "The Peru Way" and if any outsiders don't like it, they can pack sand. I can't wait to read the FBI report. I'm sure it will say something like: “For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen.”
@7:45 The chain of command starting at the top goes from Federal down to city. A word of advise is that you don't sign off on YOUR FBI Report until the FBI has some input. Presently sounds as if you are pushing a one wheel wagon down a muddy road. Don't slip!
60 comments:
Could there be a trial regarding this? In federal court not county?
They would need to file charges first. And it would need to be bigger than two people being paid more due to job responsibility change.
if you throw maybe intimidation and whistleblower statutes, or the alleged mercury dumping at the power plant, it gets more federal case worthy.
Now is when the person who named names on this very blog about City employees dumping mercury needs to speak up... Not like they did on a blog. And since they are down here anyway, Kristy should hand over her greatest hits.
Have to make it worth there while to charge criminal malfeasance and activity.
How about westclock regarding codes, etc. also regarding fire
F.B.I. Chicago office ...
312-421-6700
All correspondences remain anonymous.
Tell them you have information on the investigation regarding Peru Il. Everything will be looked into.
Nice timing for article...is dankert on city payroll?
Hey Sapi~
The city I live in is under investigation by the FBI and I'm proud of it.
Signed
#tooted my horn
the only thing I proud of is the FBI for taking a look at it.
It would make my nothing but happy to see someone have to pay the price
The election results for the alderman at large could have had a different result if the article regarding the FBI investigation would have been in the paper on Monday instead of Wednesday. Hope the FBI DOES A THROUGH INVESTGATION AND INTERVIEWS THE SPW WHO RESIGNED SHORTLY AFTER HE WERE HIRED. That in itself throws up a red flag.
The FBI interviewed Bartley, Harl knew nothing. Very strange! A day after election the article was published. Strange. Might the election results have been different is article was in paper on Monday instead if Wednesday. Wonder what Bartley meant by "other matters". STRANGE. Are these closed session meeting topics coming out of the closet? Transparency. Harl was frugal with money paying these employees.
Home Rule is a form of government which its true success depends upon the honesty of those in charge of that government.
The FBI white collar division is in Peru carrying on investigations of Peru which has the home rule form of government.
Therefore is it logical to suspect that Peru will be investigated upon the entire time it has been governed by Home Rule since 1974.
This will be a very educational and interesting investigation if there is truth to the theory that at the change of administrations past city treasurer and than elected city clerk in 2009 was left with no historical records and the hard drive and computer were purchased by the outgoing city clerk for $200.00. Bartley being city Treasurer from 2005 until being elected city clerk in 2009 and now present Treasurer/Budget Director Gary Hylla who assumed Treasurer responsibilities after appointment in 2009 will be the replacements of that hard drive if all is true. Past SPW/City Engineer will also have a quite a story to spin to his friends of his 5 months in Peru. Of course what Bartley and Hylla have knowledge of will only be a start to the valuable background that the City Attorney of 30+ years years of Peru government legal representation will be able to share. How many others besides the City Treasurer/Clerk, City Attorney, Chief of Police, Human Resource Manager, and the Mayors/Building Inspectors Clerk and some aldermen are on the city payrolls for more than the Harl administration?
maybe the FBI should investigate "Liberty Fire Company", we all know that is a joke!
Are the dominoes falling?
As a city employee that I am, this FBI thing is real and it's scarey. They are looking at just more than current issues, ever heard of joint ventures to purchase property with baker while he was mayor?
Mr. Baker has more to worry about now then at large referendum.
Also, since I have first hand knowledge...why are they asking about campaign contributions by me and other coworkers?
The FBI is in town because of one reason - Rodney perez's ego. He voted to hire the judge. When he didn't like the judges report he went to the states attorney. When he didn't like the states atty he went to state police. When they refused to investigate he went to FBI. Rodney has a personal vendetta against the mayor and he doesn't care if the city suffers. In fact in some sadistic way he wants the city to suffer to prove he was right all along. What a joke. I can't wait to cast my vote against this guy next April. Even if he loses he'll be happy as long as the newspaper article is about him that day!
The judge did not investigate. He was hired to ask carefully worded questions and write a report. An investigator listens to the answers and asks the "five whys" to discover the underlying problem. This always leads to more questions.
A word of caution for anyone talking to the FBI. You either answer truthfully or you don't answer. If you lie, even through omission, it is a crime.
7:39 am - Your attitude is indicative of a very serious problem in Peru. You are more concerned about the image of Peru than the "ethical behavior" of its elected officials. Stop and think about that. You, like most of the current and former aldermen don't give a damn about the rampant lack of integrity by the elected officials in this city. You would sweep any wrong-doing by Peru officials, past or present, under the rug and then breath a sigh of relief that they dodged another bullet. This is exactly the type of Status Quo thinking that has rotted this city from the inside out for decades.
You are the joke my friend! A very inappropriate joke!
You can't wait to cast your vote against an alderman that demands accountability from himself and others? Instead you will gladly vote for another flunky to join the current group of phony aldermen who have done their best to avoid subjecting Peru to any legitimate investigations. You and others like you are without question the most backward thinking and misguided group of people I have ever encountered. You need to get a damn clue about honesty and ethics in government!
7:39 That is not entirely true. Keep an eye on the FOIA requests and the organization requesting them from this point on.
Mr Perez is hardly the sole person to request assistance from the FBI regarding Peru.
I have no intent to harm the City of Peru, but by the citys actions, they have shown a clear disregard for the harm they are doing to me and my family.
The news tribune is late to the party on this one, but they are not the only media investigative resource in the USA.
I applaud a person, any person to take the bull by the horns and do what's right. Who wouldn't want their city to be governed in an honest capacity? The taxpayers are the people who work hard to pay their taxes to keep their city going. I see no reason why a person would have a problem with the FBI being involved. Common sense is if there is nothing to hide why be scared or mad?
Lois, a new subject. Hear anything about a practice police drill at a local hospital that went wrong?
It was not a police drill. I was a hospital drill. I got that from someone who was there.Police were called over by hospital to participate after drill started. Apparently one office was not not told it was drill and for quite some time actually thought it was real. Could have been bad situation. I heard person at hospital who was to handle all notification simply may have dropped the ball.
If you suspect the littlest thing or have any first hand knowledge of anything , contact the FBI . All communications remain anonymous. The investigation is being run out of the Orland Park Office of the FBI .
1:04- can people clue them in on other issues? Like one thing leads to another.
its too bad the FBIdidn't come into Peru in 2009 when Baker left office along with Judy. The books would have been very interesting reading. Check it out
THE FBI PHONE NUMBER LISTED ABOVE IS THE CHICAGO OFFICE. DOES THE ORLAND PARK OFFICE HAVE A DIFFERENT NUMBER? WONDER IF A LETTER WERE WRITTEN TO THE PAPER,'WHERE PHONE NUMBER IS PRINTED IF THE PAPER WOULD PRINT LETTER?
I was talking with alderman Perez on Wednesday Rod told me alderman Sapienza told him the city should've swept the payroll mess under the mat to protect the city. Is this what the citizens got? We got screwed big time.
Thanks for Perez and whoever else for having the spine and courage to step over these other cowards. alderman Sapienza needs to sing and dance in his own house.
Mr. Sapienza needs to go out as fast as he came in. So proud of you Mr. Sapienza, wonder if you have family values? Children? Do you teach them to be deceitful? Where is your transparency? Sapienza would probably not admit to conversation if subpoenaed if indeed he had a conversation about sweeping it under the rug. I hope everybody gets subpoenaed or a deposition. People can't keep their stories straight!
The Orland Park Office of the FBI is
708-349-0004
Any tips or questions are welcomed on anything you feel should looked into. This is your opportunity to be heard and remain anonymous. The office is investigating several tips. The more people that talk the easier it will be . Honest government is every citizens right .
Maybe they can find out what liberty does with all the money they scam out of citizens . Like the steak and shrimp picnics or the open bar at Christmas parties . Or their accountant who just happens to be related to the city attorney . Let's not forget the hoards of cash kept upstairs so they don't have to pay taxes or report it to the IRS. Or why Liberty does the hiring and firing of firefighters ?
Protect the city by covering up fraud? I think it would actually improve the image of the city if somebody went to jail for committing fraud. Otherwise, people just hear the rumors and say, "well, I'm glad I didn't move my business to Peru after hearing all that." It is amazing, event the business that benefits from a $3 million no bid contract won't build a new building in Peru because they know what really goes on.
Wow 4:04 that's a lot. Liberty sure didn't put any money from all the years of fundraising(requesting donations by a mailer) to be put towards the recently purchased 700k+ fire truck. The city approved it and is covering costs. Donation money could have defrayed the cost. Where were and what were the alderman and mayor thinking not to have questioned more thoroughly this purchase. Better yet, how about the alderman on the committee for fire/safety? Are they clueless? Yes, Liberty's books should be audited from many previous years. Don't understand non-profit and having $$. Also, wasn't it mentioned months ago that Liberty had $650k+ in account? Also, the Operation Promise Donation ordeal with donation in wrong account. There's a blog title regarding this, don't know what month, but in 2013.
Wasn't their discussion regarding people signing a book for fire calls and actually not even being there or coming late or bringing their little kids to station with them, signing book but can't go to call, but still got paid. Thought I read this once upon a time. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. Investigate and question firefighters, being retired ones, ones who have resigned, and ones who have quit the department in the last several years. Would be extremely interesting.
How about the FBI investigating $3,000,000 no bid contracts?
Speaking of sweeping.....The streets and gutters in Peru are filthy with debris (a lot of it gravel from the potholes and repairs) The sweeper should be out on the job. If it's disabled, let's put $35,000 in repairing it or towards a new one. Where might we find $35,000?
Maybe the FBI should investigate the way the mayor has out of towners leave city hall because he thinks they're gonna start trouble . Maybe they should request all the tapes that were mysteriously unable to be posted on the website because the mayor looked like an a$$ bullying someone around .
How long was it before the dump truck was found in another county?
Was this the same dump truck that was used for transporting the demolition from the old electric plant which was full of mercury and cancer causing agents? Where was this material dumped?
The best leads in the last 7 to 8 years for the FBI would be to spend a couple of days reading Lois and Christy M's blogs, the cities computer supposedly left town with a defeated city rep . Remember when Peru practiced no bid firework contracts every year to prepare for TEST's 5th rider.
How about jumping all over town to do street improving? It is great that the FBI is in town to investigate. The FBI does not determine guilt by the degree that one is aware of the level of guilt reached as all other investigating parties have done in the years ago such as the amount of money a city official could do with his own city and with and his own corporation or a ghost payroll? How many years elapsed between these two investigations? One investigation conducted by a young , local attorney and the other by a retired judge who was given a standardized 5 question quiz? Hardly a investigation but utilized as a guideline by the LaSalle County States Attorney to do his own version of no investigation. Many still remember when no one prosecuted anyone when over $500,000 was found left on a small aircraft at the Peru airport a couple of years ago. Has anyone ever done any research as to why some streets have to be repeatedly redone and others are not touched for years? How many firms originally entered bids to destroy the power plant and after going through it pulled their bid? Years ago old power plants had contacts which were made of gold and of silver and our plant was destroyed when these precious metals were worth unbelievable bucks, but I have heard that all contacts of this value were already gone with only spilled mercury left on the floor. Rumor was that some city employees refused to work in the old power pant because of toxic materials such as spilled mercury.
The Peru landfill had to have metal scrap to be disposed of and it would be interesting to see how much money was turned over to the city from this scrap? Was the money collected turned back to the city, never heard of any.
It would be interesting to know why so much money has to be put in the general fund and THAN redistributed to fund after fund rather than going directly to the fund the money is used. Wouldn't a truer history of the funds be created if they are taken out of one fund to be put in the fund they are going to be used in.
Peru for years moved revenue and expenditures around without any check and balance system. The City clerk was designated as a city comptroller and she did all the accounting and made out all the checks put them on the shelf for the city treasurer to sign, which he did even when most of the time he did not know what he was signing. In in question ask the present city clerk he was the last treasurer before the present one, and has experience himself of this described floating accountancy. He also could tell you who gave orders to do it this way. Ask the present city clerk and the present treasurer how much historical financial background was left for them in the change of administrations 5 years ago and why? Oh! is it good business and normal procedure do only have one and the same engineering consulting firm for the last 60 years and the same no competitive bid water treatment corporation for 25 years?
Are any former employees who have been left go that have a lawsuit against the city? How many court cases is Peru presently involved in? What percentage of the votes of the city council are 7-1 or 6-1 if any council members are absent?
How is it that the council would not reduce its number of meetings until it changed to salary rather than pay/meeting and than reduced its meeting to 1/2 the previous schedule?
The best quote of the week was by Radtke saying they won the referendum of by being a great city council
What a dork....you used political scare tactics and over ten thousand dollars in newspaper advertising to scare your friends into voting for your cause I hardly believe it was a solid win
But I bet when previous and current alderman and former mayor are forced to turn receipts on advertising they will see they spent over Illinois election law limit and I will love to watch them pay the penalty.
I 100% know a complaint was filed with election board against them for failure to register as a pac! Good for them to learn there is a higher law in this land then don baker
The whole Judy thing was never investigated by anyone . She left with all the city info on financials , and the clerks computer . Was it never investigated because a relative of hers works in city hall ? Very fishy why she just left shortly after losing the election and never heard from again .
I heard Mueller is sabotaging the public property committee and is just making herself look like a fool . They all upset because the FBI has been talking to a lot of people and uncovering ALOT !!
There is always a reason how a person acts. In the situation of Alderman Mueller many believe that she wants to be reappointed to the Public Works Committee.
Being the Junior Aldermen on the Public property Committee it would be great of her to volunteer to repeat all the great work Alderman Perez accomplished last summer with his volunteer group in the planting of flowers and beautification of Peru project. Who would have thought that Rod, Sherry, Marsha, Lois, Linda and many, many more saved the city over $66,000 in one summer. Thank you all
If everything at city hall is above-board and proper, why is anybody worried about the FBI?
I don't know why any of the aldermen are upset because the FBI is talking to people. I am not upset, of course I have done nothing wrong and anyone can say the same has no reason to be upset.
Anyone who is upset has a reason and the FBI is known to be the best at uncovering ALOT. If you think it is wrong the best rule is not to do it. and if you do it remember the chant "If you commit the crime be prepared to do the time.
Remember the night when Harl called Alderman Perez Mr. and insulted him repeatedly at a city council meeting. Talk about someone letting their big mouth overload their fat ass I,ll bet Harl wishes he could turn the clock back to that evening.
Anon 1:36 ANYBODY and EVERYONE is worried about the FBI because EVERYTHING is NOT ABOVE-BOARD and PROPER at CITY HALL for a LONG, LONG TIME.
The present administration and council inherited many prior improper business practices from the previous administration and council and instead of disclosing and discontinuing them they proceeded in the same direction.
2:05 Then I do not feel one bit sorry for any of them. They had the ability to stop any improprieties
Anon 3:15 PM No, do not feel sorry for them they had more than ample time and opportunity to correct any improprieties. Sadly overall it is apparent their desire, intelligence and abilities are lacking.
A complete lack of interpretation was evidenced by one of the councils leading spokesman in that he thought that 59% of the voters backed the city council in the way they were doing their job when the vote was about changing the structure of the present council.
That is the problem with numbers, they can be distorted to ones own intentions at will.
Another person could say that 42% of the voters are in favor of changes in the structure of government which is significant.
Significant because most votes in Peru do not succeed until voted upon a second time. What started as a small group of people are now realizing that only they can defeat themselves because now they are seeing the path to original and further needed improvements in Peru city government.
Are you kidding 205 if this is tyre why didn't the new adm make it's better? It's been what 7 years new just made thing s worse
@10:15AM 8:06 AM answered your question before you asked. The current administration has held office for 5 years, previous to that Mayor Baker was in office for 44 years with several different elected officials as city clerk and treasurer. Many have been on the council in the last 49 years. Chamlin Consulting Eng, Corp has outlasted them all, with only Mayor Baker, serving longer than the City Attorney and TEST. Longevity thy name is Peru.
The FBI needs to investigate the city attorneys wife that is liberty's book cooker , I mean bookkeeping specialist.
I knew that the wife of some appointed official was the accountant of PVAS but I did not know that the city attorneys wife was Liberty's book keeper.
Does the city attorney have any responsibility of Liberty or PVAS? Appears that Peru, no matter how many people desire to be in charge, remains one big happy family. Throw the CSO on the blackboard and we all become related.
Back to the very first comment of this blog , The FBI investigates , subpeonas people to a federal grand jury those they want to talk to and those that wont talk voluntarily, they will take all their findings and present them to the US attorney and they will decide who they will charge and with what. This all will take place in Chicago . Our states attorney will have no say in the investigation . So this is good news since our town , county , and entire area is so corrupt.
Also this will happen in Federal court .
I'm hearing many employees are talking and some are even turning on one another. Maybe the FBI are making deals? Also was told by a Perez family member that Perez and whoever is in on this with him turned over more information than payroll reports. I think Peru may be taken over by LaSalle if this keeps up,
Sounds like bad news for Boss Harl and the rest !
@1:05 PM Our states attorney did not want or have any say in the last investigation.
Up to the time that honest and reputable personnel pushed everything up to the level of the FBI, this so called investigation was nothing but a cover up with the guilty of the past 5 to 6 decades laughing at those who deserved justice.
Thanks to those who brought in the FBI. This area does not know how grateful it should be. In time because of your efforts the young will have a future in our town.
Complete disclosure would be a shock to most of how corrupt our town, county and entire area is and has been for a long, long time. Peru is the only town I have ever known that you don't have enough money for a parking meter one day, 3 months later you are Mayor, and after one term you own a farm. How about when the pool hall was raided for gambling and caught with very little penalty because one of the local judges was supposedly involved. These are things your never going to hear about.
In the sub division west of Peru why were streets accepted by the consulting engineering firm that it appears they will have to be rebuilt every few years. What is the reason these streets will not hold up.
Shotty union work lead by our shotty union mayor !!
There are more honest employees than crooked ones . And when the FBI shows up at your door , you talk . You'd be a fool to lie or refuse to talk . Everyone is covered by the whistleblower law . A lot of us are sick of the way certain employees get away with anything and steal from the city . Its not fair or right . And its not just current workers and supers , everyone is gonna be shocked with how much info the feds already have . People are coming from many businesses that have had dirty dealings with Peru over the last 40+ years and handing over cases of evidence they've saved just in case . The people are taking back Peru and the employees are making this town an honest employer . A lot of us have talked . Those that refuse will be subpoena'd in open court and if they lie , too bad for them . Federal prison doesn't sound like fun . Ask Blago !
For the armchair lawyers out there, in general, the Federal Statute of Limitations for non-capital crimes is five years. This is covered under Title 18, USC 3282 and it covers almost every non-violent Federal crime.
“Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed.”
There is an exception for major fraud against the US Government. Major Fraud against the US Government must involve more than $1,000,000. In this case, the Statute of Limitations is seven years.
If the FBI is still investigating anything, it happened within the last five years.
Anon 5:56 5 years or 55 years the names are still the same, if not changed by marriage. Goodness 5 years or 55 years some of the individuals are still the same. The FBI would not be here if nothing was wrong legally. Also it may have taken the actions of this administration to get them here but the foundation was set when these guys were wet behind the ears. I thought it outstanding for a history of FBI interviewees to be listed in a recent advertisement in the local paper which no one was listed as sponsor. Why didn't they list their phone numbers with their names and years in office.
When a person is subpoenaed for a trial, questions come out of the woodwork. With financials for example an explanation is inevitable. Here is where the problem arises. When a person lies on something, they will get tripped over by another person or another lie. Don't remember what they have lied about. The vicious circle of lies. Honesty is the best policy. What is that saying? "karma". To all the people who have been questioned and will be, my advise to you is one of the Ten Commandments. "Thou shall not lie." The best thing that could happen is a "trial."
5:46 that is one reason that the power plant demolition is so relevant. Both sub contractors who participated will be receiving subpoena and be deposed.
ha ha ha. "They" got this stuff so hidden that nobody, and I meand nobody, is going to find any illegal activities that can be proven. We are going to send the Feds packing, because this is Peru and we do things "The Peru Way" and if any outsiders don't like it, they can pack sand. I can't wait to read the FBI report. I'm sure it will say something like: “For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen.”
@7:45
The chain of command starting at the top goes from Federal down to city. A word of advise is that you don't sign off on YOUR FBI Report until the FBI has some input.
Presently sounds as if you are pushing a one wheel wagon down a muddy road. Don't slip!
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