Public funds end up in Lake Co. sheriff's campaign war chest

A $500 contribution from the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group to Sheriff Mark Curran's campaign fund was a mistake, both groups said Tuesday.

But Curran's Democratic opponent in the November general election, Waukegan attorney Doug Roberts, said the fact Curran accepted public funds as a campaign donation in violation of the law is a telling fact about his opponent.

"He can't be that stupid," Roberts said after bringing the donation listed on Curran's campaign disclosure forms to the attention of the media.

"Anyone who could look at that check and not realize it was public money and send it right back is not fit to hold any office in any jurisdiction in any state," he added.

The money, paid with a MEG check, was written June 1 to pay for four MEG agents to play in Curran's annual golf outing fundraiser, MEG Director Larry Lindenman said.

MEG, which is made up of detectives from police agencies throughout the county including two from the sheriff's office, was not interested in making a campaign contribution, Lindenman said.

"We don't do political endorsements," he said. "We looked at it simply as an opportunity to network with other law enforcement offices and not as a way to make a political statement."

Lindenman said he was not aware of any MEG checks written to Curran's golf fundraiser in previous years.

Sharon Steward, director of the campaign disclosure division of the state board of elections, said it is a Class B misdemeanor for someone to use public funds for a campaign contribution.

Curran said Tuesday he has directed his campaign treasurer to return the money and was at a loss to explain how it got into his campaign fund.

"I personally never saw the check," he said. "As for my opponent's comments, I am sure every person with a badge in this county believes he (Roberts) is the one who is unfit to hold office."

The police unions in his own office, Waukegan and North Chicago have endorsed his candidacy, Curran said.

Lake County Deputy State's Attorney Jeff Pavletic said his office is gathering information on the incident and declined to comment further.

If deemed appropriate, the state's attorney's office would refer the matter to the attorney general's office or the appellate prosecutor's office for a formal investigation. The case would not be investigated locally because the state's attorney's office represents both the sheriff and MEG.