Chicago Construction Executive Sentenced for Bribery

Alex Nitchoff, a construction company owner in the Chicago area, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme that aimed to lower his property tax assessments by nearly $1 million. Nitchoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy and using interstate facilities for bribery, admitting to providing gifts and home improvement services to a Cook County assessor's office employee, Lavdim Memisovski, in exchange for reduced property taxes. The prosecution argued that his actions were a significant affront to honest taxpayers, while his defense portrayed him as a hardworking individual with a history of helping others. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors are seeking a lengthy sentence for real estate developer Charles Cui, who attempted to bribe former Alderman Edward Burke for a liquor store permit, arguing he is a risk for recidivism. Cui's lawyers counter that he is a law-abiding immigrant, emphasizing the contrast in perspectives leading to his impending sentencing. Both cases highlight ongoing issues of corruption within the Chicago construction and political landscape.