A former trustee of Worth Township, Richard Lewandowski, who pleaded guilty to a tax misdemeanor back in 2021, has been sentenced to probation without imprisonment for his failure to file income tax returns in 2017 and 2018, despite making substantial income. According to the Chicago Tribune, the 65-year-old from Palos Heights had earned nearly $600,000 during those two years. As he continued to cooperate with prosecutors in ongoing political corruption probes, his sentencing was delayed, leading up to Wednesday's pronouncement of probation and a $4,000 fine. Lewandowski has reportedly already paid all back taxes and penalties.
The Chicago Sun-Times notes that his admissions include the loss of $52,365 to the IRS and $10,350 to the Illinois Department of Revenue. Despite these positive developments, it was reported that he still owed taxes to the Illinois Department of Revenue as of last month. Yet, he is expected to promptly settle these, completing his financial obligations to both governmental bodies.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez, who presided over the case, agreed with prosecutors' recommendation to forgo incarceration in light of Lewandowski's cooperation. Speaking to Valdez, Lewandowski expressed regret over his procrastination and acknowledged the need to "get rid of the clutter" in his life, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Lewandowski's defense attorney, Patrick Boyle, highlighted his client's willingness to provide valuable documentation to investigators, laboring over "banker boxes" of records and engaging in multiple discussions with law enforcement, saying he “subjected himself to multiple proffers with prosecuting attorneys and agents going through all these documents,”. Former U.S. Rep. William Lipinski lent his voice in Lewandowski's defense, conveying to the judge in a letter his belief in Lewandowski's character, referring to him as an "honest, straightforward individual and not looking to take the easy way out.” These factors played a role in the court's decision to opt for probation over incarceration.
In the wake of Lewandowski's sentencing, attention remains on the broader context of political corruption within which this case unfolds. The investigations in which he assisted involve a spate of probes stretching from Chicago to Springfield, including inquiries related to a red-light camera company and other high-profile political figures such as former house speaker Michael Madigan, who was convicted on corruption charges earlier this month, as mentioned by the Chicago Tribune.
