Episode Summary: In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Nora Devine welcomes back John Mitchell, partner at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher and former federal prosecutor, to continue their discussion on recent prosecutions in the Illinois property tax assessment space. They review the acquittal in the Nitzega golf case, examine the charges against assessor’s office employee Frankie Perez, and unpack the legal distinction between indictments and information. John explains how sealed documents can protect uncharged individuals, why even small gifts can trigger federal bribery charges, and how prosecutors approach corruption cases in the wake of the United States v. Snyder decision. The conversation also touches on high-profile “bag of cash” sting operations, the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, and the significant financial and reputational costs of federal investigations.

00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s return to the podcast 04:15 – The Nitzega golf case and its outcome 08:32 – Who is Frankie Perez and why was he charged by information? 12:45 – The meaning of sealed affidavits in federal cases 17:20 – Allegations against Perez: gifts, sporting events, and dinners 21:05 – Why prosecutors pursue even small bribery cases for deterrence 25:15 – How the Snyder ruling shapes new corruption investigations 30:40 – Nora’s lunch story: when conversations sound like a wiretap 35:22 – The “bag of cash” Board of Review case in Cook County 40:10 – The role of professional ethics codes in preventing impropriety 44:18 – The true costs of an indictment: stress, legal fees, and reputation 48:00 – Campaign funds and legal defense: public frustration in Illinois politics 50:20 – Closing remarks and where to reach John Mitchell

Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. The podcast brings clarity to Illinois property tax law and related legal issues by featuring expert guests and real-world insights. Each episode provides valuable guidance for property owners, professionals, and public officials navigating this complex system.

Information Indictment: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2p17daj3mwcz4prn099ao/Frankie-Perez-Information-Indictment.pdf?rlkey=tvb7h3misnyptnxa5t53qwxhz&e=1&dl=0

Plea Agreement: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i56ux3cci8uovbfgm1fsr/Perez-FILE_5673.pdf?rlkey=unbzi4rwd9cvwakp80h3sdl47&e=1&dl=0

Episode Summary: In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Nora Devine welcomes back attorney John Mitchell of Wilkie Farr & Gallagher to discuss recent corruption prosecutions in the Illinois property tax space. Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor who secured a high-profile acquittal for lobbyist Mike McClain, explains how federal bribery law under 18 U.S.C. § 666 has shifted following the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Snyder. Together, they unpack the differences between bribery and gratuities, how these changes affected recent property tax cases, and why proving quid pro quo arrangements is now more challenging for prosecutors. They also explore the real costs of investigations, the role of Illinois’ gift ban in federal cases, and the importance of compliance for both public officials and private citizens.

00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s background 04:15 – Recap of the Mike McClain acquittal and its significance 07:40 – Recent corruption cases in the Cook County Assessor’s Office 12:28 – The role of 18 U.S.C. § 666 in prosecuting bribery cases 16:10 – How United States v. Snyder narrowed the definition of bribery 20:45 – Distinguishing between bribery and gratuities in practice 25:32 – Testimony from assessor’s office employees and credibility challenges 30:15 – Why prosecutors targeted a private property owner instead of officials 34:55 – Hidden costs of federal investigations and trials 38:20 – How Illinois’ Gift Ban Act factors into federal prosecutions 42:10 – Nora’s closing remarks and where to find John Mitchell

Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. Each episode breaks down complex issues at the intersection of property taxation, law, and public policy. Through conversations with legal experts and practitioners, Nora provides clear, actionable insights for property owners, professionals, and public officials.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host and property tax attorney Nora Devine is joined by John Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher. Together, they examine recent federal prosecutions involving public corruption and the property tax system in Illinois. John provides insights into the statutes prosecutors rely on, including 18 U.S.C. § 666, and explains how Supreme Court rulings like United States v. Snyder are reshaping the line between bribery and gratuities. The conversation also explores challenges in proving corruption cases, Illinois’ limited enforcement mechanisms compared to other states, and best practices for public officials to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.

00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s background in white-collar criminal law 04:40 – What statutes federal prosecutors use in corruption cases 08:22 – The Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Snyder and its impact 12:15 – Understanding the “stream of benefits” theory of prosecution 17:30 – Challenges prosecutors face in proving quid pro quo arrangements 22:05 – Why federal prosecutors often handle Illinois corruption cases instead of state or local agencies 27:40 – Illinois’ gift ban ordinance and its limitations 32:10 – Best practices for public officials to avoid legal trouble 36:55 – Advice on compliance and navigating investigations 39:45 – How to contact John Mitchell for legal assistance

Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. The podcast brings clarity to the complexities of Illinois property tax law and related issues by engaging leading experts, sharing practical insights, and providing guidance to property owners and public officials alike.