Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018) The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago 2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy 2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE) 2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston 2020: Oakland, Oakland:2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana 2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville 2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Oh he puckered up no doubt
This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.
Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Oh he puckered up no doubt
This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.
Yep.
Just watched the episode in season 1 where Davis' driver got hauled in after picking up 20k in cash from that drug house and was then let go after Burrell found out.
Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Oh he puckered up no doubt
This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.
Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president
Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....
sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?
Oh he puckered up no doubt
This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.
Yep.
Just watched the episode in season 1 where Davis' driver got hauled in after picking up 20k in cash from that drug house and was then let go after Burrell found out.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse and Carrucci size 14 shoes from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.
The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, do not list the identity of the donor.
The city received the national soccer team jersey June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
But other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag received March 18, 2024, fail to include information on the identity of who provided the gift.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall Nov. 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the manner in which gifts to the city are stored and to audit the gifts and review controls for access to the gift room.
Instead, the OID was met by Chicago Police officers, the report noted. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the gift room, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.
While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s office regarding the request, then presented a written request to access the room.
After further delay, the mayor’s office said it spoke to counsel, who said OIG would not be granted access to the gift room that day. To access the room, the OIG was told it would have to make an appointment, the report said.
Once the OIG was denied, it engaged in further conversations with the Department of Law for access to the gift room, and it was it was told it not be granted access.
The OIG said in its report that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
"When gifts are changing hands — perhaps literally — in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for gifts like whiskey, jewelry, handbags, and size 14 men’s shoes to be accepted ‘on behalf of the City,’" the report noted.
Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.
Johnson told reporters during a press conference Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what happened.
"These are gifts to the city. They’re logged," Johnson told reporters. "The characterization of how this report came out is misguided, and, again, we’ll make sure that our team gives you the access that you need so that you can see the gifts that are given to the city."
The mayor said there is a process everyone must go through, adding that nobody is above the law, not even the OIG.
As for the gifts, Johnson said there are times he will go to a community function and receive a gift bag as a token of appreciation.
"I don’t want people to think there’s some room in city government where there’s just a wall full of belts and socks and shoes and fancy hats," Johnson said, noting he has actually received hats.
"With all due respect, sometimes I believe that people chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years."
Johnson also said he has never seen the gift room that the OIG referred to.
"I don’t think there’s a room, [but] if people want a tour of this room, I’ll sign up because I’ve never been to it myself," he said.
Well, this doesn't look too good. I guess we'll see.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse and Carrucci size 14 shoes from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.
The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, do not list the identity of the donor.
The city received the national soccer team jersey June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
But other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag received March 18, 2024, fail to include information on the identity of who provided the gift.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall Nov. 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the manner in which gifts to the city are stored and to audit the gifts and review controls for access to the gift room.
Instead, the OID was met by Chicago Police officers, the report noted. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the gift room, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.
While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s office regarding the request, then presented a written request to access the room.
After further delay, the mayor’s office said it spoke to counsel, who said OIG would not be granted access to the gift room that day. To access the room, the OIG was told it would have to make an appointment, the report said.
Once the OIG was denied, it engaged in further conversations with the Department of Law for access to the gift room, and it was it was told it not be granted access.
The OIG said in its report that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
"When gifts are changing hands — perhaps literally — in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for gifts like whiskey, jewelry, handbags, and size 14 men’s shoes to be accepted ‘on behalf of the City,’" the report noted.
Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.
Johnson told reporters during a press conference Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what happened.
"These are gifts to the city. They’re logged," Johnson told reporters. "The characterization of how this report came out is misguided, and, again, we’ll make sure that our team gives you the access that you need so that you can see the gifts that are given to the city."
The mayor said there is a process everyone must go through, adding that nobody is above the law, not even the OIG.
As for the gifts, Johnson said there are times he will go to a community function and receive a gift bag as a token of appreciation.
"I don’t want people to think there’s some room in city government where there’s just a wall full of belts and socks and shoes and fancy hats," Johnson said, noting he has actually received hats.
"With all due respect, sometimes I believe that people chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years."
Johnson also said he has never seen the gift room that the OIG referred to.
"I don’t think there’s a room, [but] if people want a tour of this room, I’ll sign up because I’ve never been to it myself," he said.
Well, this doesn't look too good. I guess we'll see.
If true not good. You still ok with a Supreme Court justice doing this though?
how effective was ben in that role in Wisconsin, given how close things have been there?
seems ken should get the nod. gains in 18, 20 and 22, with a close race with a late entry candidate in the face of suspicions about the count in the swing states.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse and Carrucci size 14 shoes from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.
The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, do not list the identity of the donor.
The city received the national soccer team jersey June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
But other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag received March 18, 2024, fail to include information on the identity of who provided the gift.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall Nov. 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the manner in which gifts to the city are stored and to audit the gifts and review controls for access to the gift room.
Instead, the OID was met by Chicago Police officers, the report noted. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the gift room, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.
While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s office regarding the request, then presented a written request to access the room.
After further delay, the mayor’s office said it spoke to counsel, who said OIG would not be granted access to the gift room that day. To access the room, the OIG was told it would have to make an appointment, the report said.
Once the OIG was denied, it engaged in further conversations with the Department of Law for access to the gift room, and it was it was told it not be granted access.
The OIG said in its report that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
"When gifts are changing hands — perhaps literally — in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for gifts like whiskey, jewelry, handbags, and size 14 men’s shoes to be accepted ‘on behalf of the City,’" the report noted.
Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.
Johnson told reporters during a press conference Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what happened.
"These are gifts to the city. They’re logged," Johnson told reporters. "The characterization of how this report came out is misguided, and, again, we’ll make sure that our team gives you the access that you need so that you can see the gifts that are given to the city."
The mayor said there is a process everyone must go through, adding that nobody is above the law, not even the OIG.
As for the gifts, Johnson said there are times he will go to a community function and receive a gift bag as a token of appreciation.
"I don’t want people to think there’s some room in city government where there’s just a wall full of belts and socks and shoes and fancy hats," Johnson said, noting he has actually received hats.
"With all due respect, sometimes I believe that people chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years."
Johnson also said he has never seen the gift room that the OIG referred to.
"I don’t think there’s a room, [but] if people want a tour of this room, I’ll sign up because I’ve never been to it myself," he said.
Well, this doesn't look too good. I guess we'll see.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Comments
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
Just watched the episode in season 1 where Davis' driver got hauled in after picking up 20k in cash from that drug house and was then let go after Burrell found out.
Trump is Baltimore on steroids for sure.
-EV 8/14/93
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse and Carrucci size 14 shoes from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.
The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, do not list the identity of the donor.
The city received the national soccer team jersey June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
But other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag received March 18, 2024, fail to include information on the identity of who provided the gift.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall Nov. 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the manner in which gifts to the city are stored and to audit the gifts and review controls for access to the gift room.
Instead, the OID was met by Chicago Police officers, the report noted. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the gift room, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.
While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s office regarding the request, then presented a written request to access the room.
After further delay, the mayor’s office said it spoke to counsel, who said OIG would not be granted access to the gift room that day. To access the room, the OIG was told it would have to make an appointment, the report said.
Once the OIG was denied, it engaged in further conversations with the Department of Law for access to the gift room, and it was it was told it not be granted access.
The OIG said in its report that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
"When gifts are changing hands — perhaps literally — in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for gifts like whiskey, jewelry, handbags, and size 14 men’s shoes to be accepted ‘on behalf of the City,’" the report noted.
Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.
Johnson told reporters during a press conference Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what happened.
"These are gifts to the city. They’re logged," Johnson told reporters. "The characterization of how this report came out is misguided, and, again, we’ll make sure that our team gives you the access that you need so that you can see the gifts that are given to the city."
The mayor said there is a process everyone must go through, adding that nobody is above the law, not even the OIG.
As for the gifts, Johnson said there are times he will go to a community function and receive a gift bag as a token of appreciation.
"I don’t want people to think there’s some room in city government where there’s just a wall full of belts and socks and shoes and fancy hats," Johnson said, noting he has actually received hats.
"With all due respect, sometimes I believe that people chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years."
Johnson also said he has never seen the gift room that the OIG referred to.
"I don’t think there’s a room, [but] if people want a tour of this room, I’ll sign up because I’ve never been to it myself," he said.
Well, this doesn't look too good. I guess we'll see.
Apparently, Ben and Ken are the top two candidates:
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
How are we feeling, Dems?
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Libtardaplorable©. And proud of it.
Brilliantati©
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
-EV 8/14/93
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt2
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth
-EV 8/14/93
1996; 9/28 New York
1997: 11/14 Oakland, 11/15 Oakland
1998: 7/5 Dallas, 7/7 Albuquerque, 7/8 Phoenix, 7/10 San Diego, 7/11 Las Vegas
2000: 10/17 Dallas
2003: 4/3 OKC
2012: 11/17 Tulsa(EV), 11/18 Tulsa(EV)
2013: 11/16 OKC
2014: 10/8 Tulsa
2022: 9/20 OKC
2023: 9/13 Ft Worth, 9/15 Ft Worth