From the Chicago Tribune

Man admits filching city asphalt
--------------------
By Matt O'Connor
Tribune staff reporter
June 10, 2005, 12:42 PM CDT
A foreman for a Chicago Department of Transportation asphalt crew pleaded guilty in federal court today he took bribes to divert as many as 100 loads of asphalt to private parties at a loss to the city of up to $60,000.
Robert Laino, a Chicago resident, was the 13th defendant to be convicted in the federal investigation into corruption in the Hired Truck program, in which private trucking operators were hired to perform city work.
Laino pleaded guilty to one count of bribery in the downtown Chicago courtroom of U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo.
Because Laino is cooperating with the government, prosecutors said they would recommend a nine-month prison sentence for the defendant. Laino is free on bond. No sentencing date was set.
As part of his plea, Laino admitted that from 2001 to 2004, he accepted cash to deliver 75 to 100 loads of city asphalt to private parties, at a loss to taxpayers of $45,000 to $60,000.
The scheme originated with a couple of drivers, not yet identified by investigators, who had been assigned to Laino's crew and who allegedly offered the foreman $250 per truckload for each delivery.
Laino then split the bribes with his drivers. They included co-defendant Donald Warren, who pleaded guilty last week to also pocketing payoffs. Warren faces up to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced.
Laino's guilty plea came one day after Joseph Ignoffo, 43, operator of a former Chicago trucking business, admitted he paid at least $23,000 in cash, campaign contributions and gift certificates to officials in four city departments.
In exchange, the Niles businessman said, his company was awarded work for city Water Department projects.
Copyright (c) 2005, Chicago Tribune