A former Village of Wilmette employee whose work included processing permits for contractors is facing felony charges of bribery and official misconduct, according to a news release from the village.
Wilmette police arrested former permit clerk Leonardo “Leo” Lara, 53, of the 700 block of Broadview Avenue, Highland Park, and accused him of accepting a $100 cash payment from a contractor at Wilmette Village Hall on April 21 to “expedite the issuance of a construction permit,” according to the official Wilmette police report.
The exchange was witnessed by another village employee, who later reported it to their supervisor, leading to an initial investigation by the Wilmette Police Department, per the news release.
Village officials said Lara accepted an offer to resign from his position the same day the reported incident took place.
After Wilmette police investigated, they arrested Lara May 6, per the police report. The report also said Lara told police he received about $1,000 in total from the contractor over the course of five or six years.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office charged Lara with a felony count of bribery, a felony count of official misconduct and a misdemeanor count of failure to report a bribe, per a spokesperson.
Lara made an initial appearance in court at Skokie Courthouse May 8 and Judge Anthony Calabrese did not detain him in custody, per Cook County Court records. The judge did, however, order Lara to stay away from the Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Lara must next appear in court May 18 for a status hearing.
An arrest does not constitute a conviction.
Village Manager Michael Braiman said in the news release, “These actions were a violation of public trust, and we have zero tolerance for any such conduct.
“The Village acted immediately to investigate the allegations and ensure the individual was no longer employed by the Village of Wilmette.”
Per the Village of Wilmette employee manual, cited in the police report, those working for the village are strictly prohibited from “accepting any gratuities, gifts, or other remuneration of more than a nominal amount” from individuals who may “transact business with the village” or are associated with the village in any “professional or service manner.”
Braiman added that Wilmette remains committed to “transparency” and “ethical governance,” and that the “rule of law will continue throughout this entire process.”
Wilmette officials also credited the “diligence of the village employee who witnessed and immediately reported the activity.”
The village said it also plans to investigate the contractor who allegedly engaged in the transaction to expedite their construction permit, to determine if additional charges are warranted.
