Machine politics in Chicago is an uncoordinated criminal enterprise.  It works more like the traditional Chinese Triad than the Sicilian La Costa Nostra. There’s room for criminal entrepreneurs. The rollout from Chicago Alderman Isaac “Ike” Carothers plea deal, covered in Big Journalism here, is a case study in how the Machine oils its gears.

Carothers

Ike wore a mic for the Feds, specifically for the office of U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald.  The first rollup of Ike’s crooked connections began February 2.

A 51-year-old businessman from Naperville was formally charged Tuesday with offering bribes to Chicago Ald. Ike Carothers. Carothers, who pleaded guilty to fraud charges Monday and promptly tendered his resignation, said in his plea deal that the businessman, Wafeek “Wally” Aiyash, paid him $40,000 in bribes in exchange for help on developments in Carothers’ 29th ward. Aiyash’s attorney would not comment.

But Aiyash was charged in what is called a criminal information, rather than an indictment, which usually means the defendant will plead guilty. In previous court documents, Aiyash was accused of offering $100,000 in cash bribes to Carothers if he would help secure concessions contracts at O’Hare and Midway airports. (more…)