Crystal Lake Councilman Roy “Buddie” Nystrom pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he violated state ethics laws while working for a construction company that does business with the city.
Nystrom was arraigned before McHenry County Circuit Court Judge Ward S. Arnold on a 14-count indictment that includes five counts of official misconduct and eight counts of prohibited interest, all felonies. Nystrom also was indicted on one count of filing a false or incomplete statement of economic interest.
Nystrom was accompanied Thursday by his attorney, Joseph Condon, who requested a jury trial. Arnold set a status hearing on the case for Oct. 1.
Condon said he expects to meet with prosecutors to discuss the charges against Nystrom and possible plea bargains.
Meanwhile, a group of about 20 supporters from Crystal Lake are showing their faith in Nystrom by attending City Council meetings wearing blue ribbons.
The charges center on Nystrom’s work as development director for the construction firm Joseph J. Henderson & Son Inc., of Gurnee, and how it might relate to his position on the City Council. The Illinois Public Officials Prohibited Activities Act, the state law used to charge Nystrom, bars municipal officials from having a direct or indirect interest in any contract, work or business of a municipality.
Nystrom’s employer was involved in two construction projects with the city and bid on a third project. In addition to approving several payment vouchers to Henderson & Son for work it did, Nystrom also solicited city business for the firm, the indictment alleges.
