Story posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Alpogianis Out
Says His Past Convictions Becoming A Distraction To Mayor, Village Board; Blase Sentencing Set For Friday
George Alpogianis
By TOM ROBB Journal & Topics Reporter
This week represents a historic moment in Niles politics as the criminal pasts of two former public officials, Nicholas Blase and George Alpogianis, play major roles in their futures and the future of the village.
On Monday, Alpogianis resigned from the Niles Village Board under a threat by the Cook County State's Attorney's office that it would take action to force his removal if he did not step down because of past felony convictions dating back to the mid-1980's.
And on Friday, June 26, former Mayor Nicholas Blase will face sentencing on federal corruption charges that he pled guilty to last year shortly after resigning following a 47-year tenure as Niles' mayor.
Last February, during a contentious election, the Journal & Topics Newspapers discovered and reported numerous violent felony convictions against Alpogianis dating back to when he was in his late teens, but charged as an adult. Under Illinois law, convicted felons cannot hold elected office.
After the election Cook County State's Attorney's spokesman Andy Conklin said his office would not seek to remove Alpogianis unless a complaint was filed. Earlier this month, Conklin confirmed that a complaint had been filed and an investigation was under way. Last week, Conklin issued a statement that said, "If he (Alpogianis) does not resign, the State's Attorney's office will bring a civil action seeking his removal."
In a written statement issued this week Alpogianis said he would resign.
"I feel that this issue is becoming a distraction for the mayor and board to accomplish our goals for Niles," said Alpogianis.
Conklin confirmed Journal & Topics Newspapers reports that Alpogianis' record included six felony counts of aggravated battery related to a 1984 melee outside a Chicago house party.
Court records, including a signed sentencing order for two years of probation obtained through Cook County court, also indicated felony damage to property charges related to the use of a "pipe bomb with black powder" that shattered the windows of a Chicago restaurant in 1983.
Alpogianis' record currently shows the damage to property conviction as a misdemeanor though how or when that conviction was labeled as being reduced is unclear.
Alpogianis was charged as an adult in both cases. In addition to the two years of probation for the damage to property charge he was sentenced separately to 30 months of probation for six counts of felony aggravated battery.
Mayor Robert Callero, who pledged his support for both Blase and Alpogianis during the campaign, did not return telephone calls from the Journal & Topics this week for comment. State law says he has 60 days to appoint a replacement.
Blase pleaded guilty to two counts of an 11-count indictment last October on federal corruption charges related to a scheme to steer insurance business to an associate's firm for businesses wishing to open in Niles in exchange for which Blase received over $420,000 in kickbacks, according to court documents.
At one of his court hearings Blase expressed remorse.
"I'm hopeful we'll be able to put this event behind us and remember the many great achievements we've had over the years. But for now, all that should be said is that I was wrong and for that I am very sorry," said Blase.
Blase is expected to appear in a federal courtroom in downtown Chicago on Friday for sentencing before Judge Wayne Andersen.
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