Indicted businessman hired Tatooles, donated to Larson

An Inverness businessman charged Friday with conspiring in a deal with a reputed mob boss hired hometown mayor John Tatooles to file business paperwork for the company involved.

Tatooles said he was unaware of the alleged crimes or mob associations of William "Billy D" Degironemo, 66, who is accused of planning an illegal contract deal with alleged Chicago Outfit crew chief Rudy "The Chin" Fratto.

"I'm shocked and disappointed," Tatooles said.

Degironemo also has donated campaign cash to Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson, who said he doesn't know the man.

Tatooles said Friday that he filed only "perfunctory" business paperwork to the state for Degironemo's company, MidStates Equipment Rentals and Sales.

The Inverness mayor said he had no in-depth knowledge of the company, and no close ties to Degironemo.

Federal prosecutors allege that Degironemo and Fratto worked with an insider for a trade show contractor to rig bidding on forklift work for McCormick Place conventions. Degironemo told management of the Las Vegas-based contractor that MidStates "offer(ed) one of the most diverse fleets (of forklifts) in the industry," prosecutors say.

In fact, prosecutors say, MidStates was not actively involved in the forklift business.

Profits from the contract were to be split three ways between Degironemo, Fratto and the insider, who believed Fratto would help him with a loan problem tied to the Cleveland mob, prosecutors say.

The contract in question was awarded in the spring of 2006, the indictment says.

Tatooles was hired in 2007 as the company's business agent, according to state records. Tatooles said Degironemo came to his Inverness law firm because one of the attorney's partners had worked with him before.

The company's previous attorney had died, Tatooles said.

He also knew the prospective client from the neighborhood.

"I don't have a social relationship with him at all," Tatooles said.

Tatooles said the scope of his work never included more than filing routine business documents with the state.

He said he had no knowledge of how the company was run or any other details.

Degironemo was charged with lying to federal officials during their investigation.

Both Degironemo and Fratto were also charged with one count of mail fraud Friday.

Meanwhile, Larson said he doesn't know Degironemo and never knew that he owned Alpha Communications, which purchased ads in his annual fundraising booklet totaling $675 between 2004 and 2007, state records show.

"It sounds to me like this makes it look like I know this guy," Larson said. "I never met the guy."

Larson said he sends out 800 letters a year soliciting campaign contributions and asking for companies or people to purchase ads in a booklet handed out at a fundraising dinner.

"I don't vet them and I don't call them up and talk," Larson said of those who purchase ads.

"There are folks who take out ads in my book who I don't know and who I do know."

Degironemo bases his numerous businesses, ranging from Italian restaurants to wireless companies and plastic recycling operations, out of an office on Tower Road in Schaumburg, according to state records.

Alpha Communications has been in business for 35 years, according to its Web site, selling AT&T products out of numerous locations.

Asked if he plans to return the money or donate it to charity, Larson said "if it is tainted money, yes."

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