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Ex-sheriff’s deputy sentenced for extortion

Posted November 19, 2013 4:22 pm

Associated Press

A former Cook County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 2½ years in prison for his role in a protection racket that also involved his son.

A federal judge announced the sentence for Larry Draus Sr. at a Tuesday hearing in Chicago. Draus had pleaded guilty earlier to extortion, claiming he was trying to help his son, Larry Draus Jr.

Prosecutors say the elder Draus admitted taking $10,000 and 30 cartons of cigarettes from an informant working for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In return, he promised to protect a warehouse of illegal, untaxed cigarettes.

Earlier this year, Larry Draus Jr. pleaded guilty to paying about $217,000 for 170 cases of contraband cigarettes and accepting protection money. The younger Draus is awaiting sentencing.

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