Another Scandal Winding Down
A former Chicago police officer was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for steering work to tow truck drivers in exchange for cash bribes.
James Wodnicki, 50, is the sixth Chicago cop sentenced to prison or probation as part of an FBI probe code-named Operation Tow Scam, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Donovan. Another officer's case is pending. The investigation exposed how Chicago police regularly extorted cash payoffs from tow truck drivers to steer business to them at crash sites.
Three tow truck drivers also were convicted as a result of the investigation.
Can we please stop doing stupid shit that makes everyone look bad?
Labels: scandals
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
58 Comments:
Wodnicki was one of those guys who should have never been hired in the first place...a dummy and an all around bum.
Be a leader not a Follower.
Please teach your kids the same.
Let's do the math...
2 years in prison/not on job. - 160,000.00
Lost pension. - 40,000/yr
Reduced future earnings. - who knows
All for what ? A few grand allready pissed away...
They should give potential recruits an IQ test.
Special Employment is steady, dependable and won't get you prison time. Can anyone imagine taking a chance on losing your career, financial stability and your family's financial future and going to federal prison for the few measly bucks you might get from, what, gang banger car thieving tow truck drivers?
I never met a tow truck operator I would invite to my house for dinner so these coppers get in bed with these lying thieves and lose everything including their freedom.
And all for a few lousy bucks, not even big money. Small time penny ante shit.
Never ever trust that anyone, even another PO, will keep their mouth shut and keep you out of prison. How about just don't get involved in illegal shit. I know it sounds corny but I have stayed out of jail and courtrooms for almost 30 years by not doing anything illegal. Anything and that includes the usual shit coppers get tripped up on like lying on reports, running names, plates etc. for people.
Is he related to former CPD Chief Wodnicki? Such nice fellows...who says clout babies don't show good common sense? LMFAO
Say what you want about Wodnicki...he was a goof and just another in a long line of guys who think they are smarter than the others and won't get caught. These dumbfucks are the reason that the public think we are greedy jagoffs! Fuck him and everyone like him. Our job is tough enough without these thieves taking away what little public trust we have. I am by no means a rich guy, but I work sidejobs, go to court and live within my means. I live in a nice neighborhood, but I make sacrifices. We don't eat steak every day, I don't drive a 40K car, and I don't go to the bar every day after work. Eat at home, drink at home, buy a nice Chevy Impala or Hyundai Sonata for 20K and save for your retirement. Cash in your hours and any unused time and buy that hot retirement car or boat, but for God's sake, stop making the rest of us look bad asshole!
There are people who will always find a way to do stupid shit.
The media has to learn, however, that the actions of a few shouldn't taint the rest of us.
This kid is such a little asshole.
At one point James Wodnicki had his own tow truck called Blue Thunder and would ride around in his uniform and hook cars. It was so bad the other tow companies would come into the station and complain. All you Officer's who would let the tow truck driver leaches on their jobs and wait until the reports are done are asking for trouble I have seen drivers fight amongist themselfs for a car, as soon as one truck pulled up I ask the parties involved if they called a tow and it they said NO I order the trucks off the scene my family comes first no some tow truck driver!
"The investigation exposed how Chicago police regularly extorted cash payoffs "
6 guys and they are going to paint the whole dept. as regularly extorting cash payoffs???? What percentage of the dept. is 6 guys, like .06%??? And a big investigation (that they even named..) and that is all they got? Liberal media nonsense. And it seems they are throwing the word extortion out there just to make it sound more egregious. I don’t deal with private tows even though when someone needs one, I cant recommend a tow guy that I know can be there in a couple minutes because I might end up getting sent to federal prison (even though he helps out with emergency relo's, which helps out the city with traffic congestion rather than wait 2 hours for a city tow that is really a private tow company anyway).. Ridiculous.
I've seen stuff like this happen so often I didn't even know it was really illegal
The other day I saw an intake photo of former Sgt Palohusky (14 yrs for theft). This dummy gets 2 yrs for taking 50's from tow drivers. That kid Kasper is still inside for the vehicular homicide. The list goes on and on. I really hope that someone somewhere is putting together a streaming video of these guys in their prison clothing. Just to remind people that loss of job and family, years in prison and a lifetime of shame and shit employment prospects is just not worth a quick buck. It's just not worth it.
Sorry SCC, no stupidity here (insanity, maybe) just pure greed; what's in it for me and fuck everyone else (including my family.) It's the Chicago way.
Station Supervisor said...
Anonymous said...
Why do we have a Lt as a W/C? Dump the Lt W/C save millions.
6/18/2012 03:58:00 AM
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What is a W/C (Watch Commander?)
The department got rid of those on 4 January 2012.
6/18/2012 12:17:00 PM
I have to agree with the first post. Why do we need Lts.(watch commanders) and Capts. (XO's). Total waste of money. Today we have a X99(watch commander), a X90(field Lt) riding around, 3 sector Sgts., a desk sgt(oh I thought we got rid of those), a District Commander in the building and an XO. Do we really need all these supervisors to supervise each other????? Why is it on certain days we can get by with one Sgt(acting as watch commander or by your new bullshit tern station supervisor)and things run smoothly, yet other days we need 2 Lts. 4 Sgts, one D/C, and an XO to run the district. Way too many chiefs very little blue shirts!!!!
Doing stupid things to make a fast dishonest buck. Not worth going to jail for.
I'm impressed. This far in and not one "He was good guy" post.
Fuck him! And every other cop on ANY KIND of take. I don't giva shit how good of guy they may be.
Wodnicki was a wonderful Air Force jet engine mechanic.
It ain't over...
simple..do your job. no special treatment. dont ''befriend'' these neighborhood types...they will use you as their trumpcard when they step in the doo doo.
TO: 6/19/2012 02:57:00 AM
Your words should be posted on a wall at the academy and memorized by each recruit. It's the exact way I survived to retire after 35 years..... Hope everyone takes note:
And the steam roller rolls on! "STOP THE DUMB SHIT!" We are in contract season assholes like this ruin it for the rest of us!
Tell all POS tow drivers to stay away from your scene and drivers until you are done.
cant throw stones,back in the good old bad days,,,,,,old rtd revolver copper.
youre my hero
Anonymous said...
Say what you want about Wodnicki...he was a goof and just another in a long line of guys who think they are smarter than the others and won't get caught. These dumbfucks are the reason that the public think we are greedy jagoffs! Fuck him and everyone like him. Our job is tough enough without these thieves taking away what little public trust we have. I am by no means a rich guy, but I work sidejobs, go to court and live within my means. I live in a nice neighborhood, but I make sacrifices. We don't eat steak every day, I don't drive a 40K car, and I don't go to the bar every day after work. Eat at home, drink at home, buy a nice Chevy Impala or Hyundai Sonata for 20K and save for your retirement. Cash in your hours and any unused time and buy that hot retirement car or boat, but for God's sake, stop making the rest of us look bad asshole!
6/19/2012 02:57:00 AM
Hey, I went all out this time and splurged on a Honda Accord for 23k with leather interior. What the hell, it is my retirement car. I just have to drive it for 10 years like I did my last Honda Accord. Two Honda Accords, 20 years of driving. Not too bad. No Go To Jail for taking money, better still.
"Tree Four" .....No More....Fucking dumbass.
His crimes still still don't hold a candle to the shithead gangbangers you guys deal with and protect us from every day.
Thoughtful Chicagoans don't let the actions of the corrupt few dictate their perceptions of the honorable many.
Yes he is Wodnicki's son. He was a great boss!!!!
This one might be over but how about the six p/os from 004 stripped for the same thing. Will they ever learn. And these are younger guys..
"What percentage of the dept. is 6 guys, like .06%???"
You stink at arithmetic!
And as we ease into contract negotiations expect dumb stuff like this to bubble up all the time.
XO's will soon be gone .Let Sergeants run the watches and maybe 1 field sgt. and 2 corporals at et pay
cpd needs blue shirts not political appointed xo's , 30% political appointed sgt and lts
use what we have and make a corporal rank
sgt's always did 99% of work for captains anyway
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
Three words for that guy: idiot ambulance chaser.
Great Boss my ass! Great politician.
Dumb-fuck didn't fall far from the tree.
If you want to see the prison intake photo of the former head of the CPD sergeant's assocition, it is on-line at Illinois dept of corrections.
Some people are so dumb! They make me look like Einstein. Thank you dumbasses!
He's no relation to the other Wodnicki's.
Anonymous said...
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
6/19/2012 06:23:00 PM
Uh, maybe because she's DEAD you stupid bastard.
I'm by no means condoning what he did, but if you're gonna try and throw stones to beat a guy while he's down (probably permanently), at least have your facts straight.
Maybe someday we'll be ripping on you on the blog when you step on your (small) dick.
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hey NITWIT! She died! Wake the fuck up!!!!
Anonymous said...
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
6/19/2012 06:23:00 PM
She died of cancer!
This guy from 014 is no relation to the Boss. His son is at least a Sgt if not a Lt by now.
"Anonymous said...
Wodnicki was one of those guys who should have never been hired in the first place...a dummy and an all around bum.
6/19/2012 12:21:00 AM"
You can add the entire Command Staff of the CPD for the last 10 years to that list.
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
She's dead, that's why....
Operation Tow Scam started in 2006 so during the height of the Global War on terror the FBI spent their time investigating CPD Offciers taking chump change from Tow Drivers.Never mind Wall Street & The Bankers fleecing us @ the same time. What a fucking joke
Please do not ask on the air for relows from private tow trucks!!!!! You would not believe how often this still happens. Ignore them, and when they arrive on scene write them. Please. How many PO s have to lose their jobs? These guys are total assholes!
EW was a prince, you'll never do half of what he did for POs and for veterans. So who ever said that should shut their mouth and be ashamed!
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
6/19/2012 06:23:00 PM
Hey, you ignorant puss-head, she died of cancer almost 2 yrs ago!
Anonymous said...
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
6/19/2012 06:23:00 PM
She died of cancer about a year ago
Anonymous said...
Talking about Palohusky getting 12 what about his old lady the sergeant with a different name . Wasn't she the treasurer of the sergeant's association. How come she isn't locked up. Maybe someone should ask Anita or maybe She won't plead guilty so there will be no charges of course
6/19/2012 06:23:00 PM
IDIOT!!!! She is dead.
Anonymous said...
Operation Tow Scam started in 2006 so during the height of the Global War on terror the FBI spent their time investigating CPD Offciers taking chump change from Tow Drivers.Never mind Wall Street & The Bankers fleecing us @ the same time. What a fucking joke
6/20/2012 12:44:00
Yes, the FBI devoted a whole 2 agents to the problem along with a few CPD Sgts because of the complaints from citizens and insurance companies piling up against these tow companies charging $1000 a tow and then keeping the cars hostage. All it took was one or two cooperators and what do you know, you have a full blown scandal that is not over yet. Several people still in call back awaiting their day in court. Quite a few were not charged Federally and have been quietly taking 30 pending over the last few years.
Look at the amounts these coppers were making off these scumbag tow drivers and tell me you really think it wasn't a problem?
One of the worst offenders of paying off coppers for private tows actually holds a contract with the city, Chromy's. Remember that next time your squad gets towed.
Anonymous said...
Please do not ask on the air for relows from private tow trucks!!!!! You would not believe how often this still happens. Ignore them, and when they arrive on scene write them. Please. How many PO s have to lose their jobs? These guys are total assholes!
6/20/2012 02:11:00 AM
___________________________________
Completely! And the officers did not have a thing to do with losing their jobs or getting arrested.
This Wodnicki is not Eddy's kid no relation.
But he use to tell everyone he was, until Eddy's kid had a talk with him, that shit stopped immediately.
Look at the amounts these coppers were making off these scumbag tow drivers and tell me you really think it wasn't a problem?
One of the worst offenders of paying off coppers for private tows actually holds a contract with the city, Chromy's. Remember that next time your squad gets towed.
6/20/2012 11:15:00 AM
And, (at least a few years ago) that contract was worth about $475K. It's probably gone up....it's public info.
And isn't this a bitch--RC himself said it "takes the city forever to pay."
What a country.
Big Ed would beat the shit out of this guy if he claims he is family. He didn't take shit then and doesn't take shit now.
And, (at least a few years ago) that contract was worth about $475K. It's probably gone up....it's public info.
And isn't this a bitch--RC himself said it "takes the city forever to pay."
What a country.
6/20/2012 06:05:00 PM
And the best part is, Chromy's is listed as a female owned business because the license is in RC's wife's name, which is how they got the contract. Scams going in every possible direction.
"Look at the amounts these coppers were making off these scumbag tow drivers and tell me you really think it wasn't a problem?"
A few grand compared to the cool mil Palhousky embezzled?
Guess in your World Romney is just a working stiff, trying to put food on the table.
Talk about Delusional,Yeesh
Anonymous said...
Is he related to former CPD Chief Wodnicki? Such nice fellows...who says clout babies don't show good common sense? LMFAO
6/19/2012 02:03:00 AM
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I am pretty sure he is not related. I cannot say for certain ... but I really don't think so. The Wodnicki in question used to have about 3 working brain cells when I knew him, and I am pretty sure at least one of them has died since.
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