A former suburban Chicago mayor and county official pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to an extortion scheme involving a police officer and restaurant owner.
Former McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski has been accused of conspiring with a police officer to shake down a restaurant owner who needed city approval to serve alcohol. According to the plea agreement, Tobolski admitted he took $29,700 in cash from the extortion scheme.
Tobolski, who appeared in court via video from his attorney's office, also admitted he extorted or collected bribes totaling at least $250,000 with at least four other people.
“In doing so, Tobolski organized, directed, and led other criminally responsible individuals,” according to the plea.
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He also pleaded guilty Tuesday to filing a false tax return in 2018.
Tobolski, who was also a Cook County commissioner, could face up to 14 years in prison under preliminary sentencing guidelines.
But in court, prosecutors said that he is cooperating with the investigation and could get a reduced sentence.
Tobolski resigned from his mayoral post and county posts in March, months after federal agents raided his office.
