Rommell Kellogg, the brother of former Harvey, Illinois, Mayor Eric Kellogg, was found guilty on multiple counts related to an alleged yearslong scheme involving a local strip club.
The case, brought forth by federal prosecutors, sheds light on accusations of corruption and illegal activities within the city’s leadership.
Strip Club Shakedown Scheme
The former mayor, Eric Kellogg, is not directly named in federal court documents, and as of now, he has not faced charges in connection with the case.
Rommell Kellogg, aged 71, was convicted on Monday of five counts, including conspiracy to commit theft, intimidation, and causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in 2019, the former mayor referred to as “Individual A” in the documents, is accused of participating in a shakedown involving a local strip club.
The complaint alleges that in 2003, the mayor demanded monthly payments of $3,000 from the strip club to allow it to continue operating within the city. These payments reportedly continued for five years.
In either 2007 or 2008, Eric Kellogg is alleged to have demanded an increase in payments to $6,000. When the club initially refused to comply, a Harvey police officer reportedly ordered the business to shut down, as per the complaint.
Rommell Kellogg, working alongside a co-conspirator named Corey Johnson, is accused of being involved in the scheme.
Prosecutors assert that they conspired to regularly demand and collect payments from the strip club while threatening interference with the club’s operations by the city of Harvey if payments were not made.
Corey Johnson, identified as Kellogg’s cousin, pleaded guilty last month to a theft charge. Johnson’s attorney, Gal Pissetzky, released a statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution of the case, anticipating a recommended sentence of probation.
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Illinois Kellogg Strip Club Scandal
Law enforcement uncovered the alleged scheme in October 2017 during a search at the strip club on suspicion of prostitution and tax crimes.
The club’s manager began cooperating with authorities, and the complaint reveals that the club continued dealing with the defendants while instructed to cease running prostitution on its premises.
Payments totaling $37,000 were allegedly sent from the club to the defendants from December 2017 to May 2018.
Rommell Kellogg now faces up to five years in prison for each count he was convicted of. However, no sentencing date has been set at this time.
The conviction of Rommell Kellogg sheds light on the alleged corruption within the leadership of Harvey, Illinois, and raises questions about the former mayor’s potential involvement in the illicit activities.
As legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the importance of addressing corruption at all levels of government to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
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