Board of Review analysts charged in bribe scheme

Two Cook County Board of Review analysts are charged with accepting a $1,500 bribe to reduce property tax assessments on residential properties.

Thomas Hawkins, 48, and John Racasi, 51, both of Chicago, face similar bribery charges stemming from an ongoing investigation by the federal government.

Federal prosecutors said a confidential source working with the FBI recorded several conversations with the analysts discussing “a scheme to reduce the property tax assessment” on the source’s homes in Chicago and Burbank as well as a condominium in Tinley Park that amounted to more than $14,000.

In one recorded conversation, prosecutors said Hawkins is heard on tape discussing the $500 fee per property, “That’s the whole thing ... for every house because there’s going to be so many houses. That way nobody gets hoggish and there is room to play if you want to play.”

Hawkins had worked with the agency since 2004 and Racasi since 2006.

The Board of Review is made up of three elected commissioners who hear property assessment complaints. Both analysts charged worked for Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr., but federal authorities said they are not alleging that Rogers benefitted from the scheme.

“Once the situation is understood and the charges have been presented, the Board will take the appropriate measures. In the meantime, the employees have been suspended without pay. The Board of Review and the commissioners will cooperate with the investigation,” the commissioners wrote in a joint statement.

Court papers indicate the money was paid in September 2008.

The men face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.