Former Wilmette Employee Accepted Bribe To Expedite Permits: Village

WILMETTE, IL — An employee for the Village of Wilmette has resigned after they were accused of accepting a $100 bribe to expedite the issuance of a construction permit, Wilmette officials announced Thursday.

The village launched an investigation after another employee came forward about an exchange they had witnessed. On April 21 this year, the former employee made contact with a contractor to accept the cash payment, the witness alleged.

The witness immediately reported the transaction to their supervisor, and the Wilmette Police Department began to investigate the allegations. When the accused employee was confronted with the allegations, that same day, they accepted an offer to resign from their position.

"These actions were a violation of public trust, and we have zero tolerance for any such conduct. The Village acted immediately to investigate the allegations and ensure the individual was no longer employed by the Village of Wilmette,” said Village Manager Michael Braiman.

The Wilmette Police Department presented the case to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, which approved charges for felony bribery and felony official misconduct.

Village officials will continue to investigate the contractor who allegedly engaged in the illegal activity to ensure they are also held accountable, the village said.

“Our commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and the rule of law will continue throughout this entire process," Braiman said. "We are thankful for the diligence of the Village employee who witnessed and immediately reported the activity and the Wilmette Police Department and Cook County prosecutors who took this matter seriously and acted quickly so that the former employee can be held accountable.”