Mayor of Harvey Applauds Conviction of Former City Building Inspector

CNW News Desk city of Harvey Mayor, christopher J. clark, commended the U.S. Attorney for Northern Illinois for their office’s work to prosecute and convict, former Harvey Building Inspector, Lester Crowder. Crowder was found guilty after prosecutors said he told an FBI informant, posing as a business owner, that he had to pay $50,000 in bribes up front to obtain property and the necessary permits to operate a nightclub in the City. Crowder was found guilty by a jury after evidence showed that the former Harvey employee met nine times with an individual who said he was interested in opening a nightclub in Harvey in 2018, under former Mayor Eric Kellogg’s administration. The jury was presented with evidence that Crowder collected almost $13,000 in bribe payments from the individual. Mayor Clark stated, “On behalf of the residents of the City of Harvey, we are pleased that law enforcement authorities are finally focusing on corruption in the Southland and holding people responsible for their actions. Their previous actions have had serious implications for Harvey’s reputation, resources, and for the quality of life for our residents. We are working hard to attract new businesses, update our street lighting, sidewalks, and streets, and to restore Harvey to its previous status as a leader in the Southland. It has been a challenge overcoming Harvey’s stigma for those of us who have been fighting to overcome Harvey’s recent past mismanagement and history. However, we are rebuilding Harvey. Brighter days are ahead for Harvey. Mr. Crowder’s conviction is a step in the right direction, it sends the message loud and clear that under my administration, business-as-usual will not be accepted and corrupt practices will not be tolerated. We thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s office for their work on this case and encourage them to continue to hold people accountable for their past actions which have damaged the City of Harvey.” economic climate and in an ever-changing global business setting. Alternative financial capital options exist! Presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and hosted by OMEE and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC), the March virtual event is part of the monthly webinar series, Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), which features a different topic and presenter each month. Also joining us in March are our colleagues from the Office of Regional Economic Development (RED). expanding Her opportunities - certify Your Business as women-owned

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