Emails Belie Andy Zinke’s Claim to No Role in Prosecution of State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi

Lou Bianchi

Lou Bianchi

Andy Zinke

Andy Zinke

Is there a new and reformed Andy Zinke?

The Northwest Herald does the public service of asking candidates for major office to reply to questionnaires.

This question was interesting:

“The sheriff’s office in recent years has been beset by acrimony and a strained working relationship with the state’s attorney’s office.  How do you plan to address this?”

Zinke starts his answer by saying, “A professional relationship is necessary to operate effectively.”

That’s not what caught my attention, however.

This did:

“Mr. Bianchi suffered public and professional humiliation after being indicted twice.

“I had no involvement in that case or failed prosecution.

 [Emphasis added.]

“I am confident that after this election we can close that chapter in order to move forward and do what is best for the citizens of McHenry County.”

Shortly after being appointed Undersheriff by Sheriff Keith Nygren, Zinke played terrier nipping at Bianchi’s ankles in both the Daily and Northwest Heralds.

In June of 2010, talking about an inept and one-sided State Police investigation of the now proven violation of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition of illegal search and seizure, the Daily Herald reported Zinke

“said the violations are a vindication, and ripped McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi for dismissing accusations the Nunda couple, Jerome and Carla Pavlin, attacked the deputies while they were trying to serve a warrant on the couple’s son.

“‘It proves (the deputies) did their job and did it right,’ Zinker said.”

The Northwest Herald reported,

“Meanwhile, Undersheriff Andy Zinke contended that Bianchi wanted to use the second grand jury to pursue criminal charges against sheriff’s deputies, although none were filed.  Zinke claimed Bianchi damaged the public trust in the sheriff’s office and increased the deputies exposure in the civil lawsuit.

“Our office suffered due to the actions of Lou Bianchi and others whom had not action knowledge of what happened during this incident.

“We want the public to know that that our deputies acted correctly and should not be judged by gossip and innuendo.”

So, the relationship in the summer of 2010 was not a hugging one, unless we’re talking bear hugs and not affectionate ones.

Now, let’s look at the emails to which Bill Prim referred to in the debate.

They may give an indication about the relationship between Zinke and Bianchi

The emails were subpoenaed by Bianchi in his Federal lawsuit against Special Prosecutors Henry Tonigan and Thomas McQueen.  Tonigan settled with Bianchi and is no longer in the suit.

Conclude for yourself whether Zinke told the truth on his Northwest Herald questionnaire that he

“had no involvement in that case or failed prosecution”

A chain of emails starts on September 27, 2010.  The first is from Bob Scigalski to Andrew Zinke:

Subject: RE: Today?

I spoke with Tom McQueen over the weekend and provided him with the details of your investigation. He was going to investigate possibilities of our involvement and get back to me.

I hope to hear from him today.  Meanwhile, I’m playing vioicemail tag with Jeff Bora, who was fired by Bianchi and who wants to talk to use about certain problems I think will relate to political decisions made by Bianchi regarding prosecutions.

I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear from you.

Bob

Zinke replied, “Thanks.”

Scigalski updated Zinke on September 29, 2010:

Andy,

I interviewed Jeff Bora and he provided three separate incidences of probably case fixing by Salgado and Bianchi.  One involved a doctor by the name of Salvi.  I’ll be talking to Gene Lowery tomorrow about that one.  Another involved a believed nephew of the Salgado where he walked into the courtroom and, with Biahchi, reduced the sentence by a year.  Another involved a relative of Bianchi where he demanded that Bora give him a reconnaissance bond.

With that, we’re going to go before the judge to ask him if our investigative powers can be expanded to cover these investigations and to help you with your current investigation.  I believe the question is going to be put before the judge on Friday.  Meanwhile, I’ll be in touch with you.  I received a voicemail from a female who was calling from Woodstock and who referenced a conversation with you.  She said that she would need a surveillance either Thursday or Friday.  She didn’t leave her name and so, I texted her asking her to call me again tomorrow.

If all goes well, we decided to interview each of the ASA’s to see what ever else they come up with.  We also want to touch base with any police sources that have examples of case fixing via Bianchi.

Sorry for the late evening e-mail, I’ve been jumping around like a sprayed bug trying to get interviews done regarding the fixing of cases, I’m a vampire so I work late.

I’ll be in touch tomorrow.

Bob

September 30, 2010, Zinke replied:

Bob,

Thanks for the update.

I’m not sure who is calling you from Woodstock.  I did receive a call from Wdstk Chief Bob Lowen. He was looking for a PI frim.  He told me Bob Hrodey was out of town and needed someone right away.  I suggested you, and gave him your number.  I’ll be  in the office all day.

Take care,

Andy

Scigalski replied to Zinke:

I found out it was the HR manager in Woodstock.  I asked for the reference.  I’ll get back to you after the meeting with the judge tomorrow.

Bob

And the final word was from Zinke:

Oh, I know her.  Let me know if you need anything.

Take care,

Andy

Dated October 2, 2010, this email was sent by Zinke to a redacted recipient:

Subject:  Other cases

Susan O’Grady (dismissed over objection from defense attorney -see court order) federal case filed against our office.

Pavlin (dismissed w prejudice, impaneled grand Jury to indict our deputies) federal case filed against our office.  Bianchi personally lied to ISP investigators.

Take care,

Andy

Here’s one dated October 3, 2010, from Quest President Bob Scigalski to McQueen:

Subject:  Other cases

When I told Zinke he that we would be able to act as his prosecutor with additional assistance from the ATTY.Gen.’s office, he almost had an orgasm.  He started talking about how much the police community respected our team and how, for the first time in years, their thought is that justice may be restored in McHenry County.  I asked him if there were any other cases that needed to be brought to our attention and he sent the following email.

Bob

At 4:45 PM 10/4/2010. Scigalski replied to Tonigan,

Skip,

We will have a surveillance agent at the political event tonight to check on McCleary’s ride.

On October 5, 2010, Scigalski sent this to McQueen:

Subject: Re: Coverage of Political Events

Doesn’t that make her a co-conspirator in obstructing our investigation?

On 10/5/2010 4:38 PM, Bob Scigalski wrote:

Nope…His ride wasn’t there! At the McHenry county Board meeting, Sagado’s daughter moved to refuse payment and it was explained that it is a court ordered and they must pay for it. Zinke thought it was a news poly.

At 4:45 PM Scigalis wrote:

Skip,

We will have a surveillance agent at the political event tonight to check on McCleary’s ride.

Robert A. Scigalski

The next is from McQueen to Scigalski, dated Nov. 16, 2010:

Subject:CONFIDENTIAL

PRIVILEGED

Bob: I wonder if Andy could do a search of recorded jail calls to see what Morow was saying before released on bond and what Reid was saying, espeicialy, “My Uncle Ron is trying to help me…”

Let’s discuss.

What was Combs’ reaction to your call?

TKM

On November 13, 2010, Zinke’s name shows up again in an email chain involving McQueen and Scigalski.

11/13/2010 7:29 AM

Did Zinke say who his lawyer was?

11/13/2010 8:50 AM

I believe he said Terry Sullivan.  I’ll Check.

The judge called very nervously explaining that the Sheriff is probably talking to MG…

11/13/2010 9:28 AM

Do we meet with Terry and tell him we are going to immunize his client to get to the bottom of Salgado’s role in the fix of his kid’s case?  TJM

From McQueen to Scigalski on Nobember 16, 2010:

Subject:  Confidential

Bob:  I wonder if Andy could do a search of recorded jail calls to see what Morzos was saying before released on bond and what Reid was saying, especilly, “My Uncle Ron is trying to help me…..”.

Let’s discuss.

What was Combs reaction to your call?

TKM

This one is from Zinke to Scigalski and is dated December 1, 2010:

Subject: Audio recordings

I have copies of both recordings you requested. Do you want me to mail them to you or do you want to stop by?

Andy

Draw your own conclusion as to the depth of involvement in the Special Prosecutor’s case against State’s Attorney Bianchi.


Comments

Emails Belie Andy Zinke’s Claim to No Role in Prosecution of State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi — 30 Comments

  1. Not only does this damning evidence reveal the Zinke is a bold faced liar, it shows how intimately the Sheriff’s office was guilty of leading the charge against Lou Bianchi.

    Where is the press?

    Where are the “investigative reporters”?

    Where is that dolt, Robert McCoppin?

    Great job, Cal.

    Once again you do you homework while the financially failing news media wait for the press releases from the police offices.

    Cal, look into the email communications of the above people between December 4 and December 10, 2010.

    If Zinke communicated at all then he’s guilty of a serious crime.

  2. It’s actually Keith Nygren who is the real villain here.

    He is the Sheriff and he is the one directing this political witch hunt against Nygren.

    But Nygren doesn’t have the guts to do it directly.

    He doesn’t want his hands dirty, so he has a lapdog like Zinke who does all the official communicating by email.

    Zinke himself is an additional victim of Nygren’s actions, but he doesn’t know it.

    Zinke was played like a fiddle and now it’s Zinke who may find himself in hot water.

    Nygren’s an evil genius, in a way.

  3. Cal these emails demonstrate the NWH is not a newspaper as much as a platform for zinke

  4. http://dirtykeithvsdirtyharry2.blogspot.com

    The ENTIRE can be found at the above link.

    Educate yourselves today before its to late!

    Where did Both Local FBI Sacs go?

    Where did your Chicago based U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald go??

    Why?

    The TRUTH is all at my former blogs postings as laid out ONE final time….

    Is fifteen minutes of your time to much to ask for given the gravity of this election?

    I sure hope not.

    Don’t wait until it ‘s to late. You have all done so in the past.

    We local bloggers have and had worked very hard to bring you the truth about your Sheriffs office.

    “Bad Boy Bad Boy, what ya gonna do”?

  5. Andrew Zinke received simple requests from special investigators to the Sheriff’s Department for assistance.

    Must be quite common in police work.

    So what?

    That does not make him a member of the investigator team or court case.

    Where did Cal receive these e-mails from….that is the real “conspiracy”.

    And, the Sheriff’s Office settled the Pavlin case without admitting liability or wrongdoing.

    Cheaper to settle a frivolous suit than pay legal fees to defend it.

    Certainly, the insurance company had a large part pushing for a settlement.

    Move along folks, nothing nefarious here.

  6. One commenter asked why so much innuendo?

    Why don”t some just come out and say it?

    I had always come straight out and said it.

    I gave you the entire truths along with supporting documents.

    Why do you all think the U.S. Department of Justice engaged my blog.

    Cal supplied you all with this fact and posted the document that proved this fact.

    Less you never forget, I told you all Greg Pyle was a dangerous man.

    I called this fact three full years before his arrest.

    I am telling you one final time………l

    Kick out the Entire current regime NOW!

    The FEDS cleaned house, what are you willing to do?

    Come forward from your cloaks, join arms, and PUSH the garbage OUT!

  7. Teacher – and I hope you are not one, if so, I would home school.

    Zinke wanted it and is lying to say he had nothing to do with it.

    One of many lies.

    If he is sooo honest and truthful, why won’t he release investigations into his RITA activity.

    He should be WANTING to clear himself.

    Your analysis is pathetic.

    ZINKE LIED!!

  8. TEACHER – what Zinke did with RITA was wrong. Laws about to be passed that will make it illegal. Law was not needed before because this was something someone in law enforcement would not do something like this. He is one that would create the need for the new law.

  9. The case of the train (read DB’s story) is a very interesting one and speaks volumes.

    According to the Daily Herald at the time, a certain sergeant – soon to be lieutenant – was carrying boxes out of the residence in the middle of the night.

    Again, according to the Daily Herald, he stated, “…this is not unusual, we always do this on cases like this.”

    Why he lied like that tells a great deal.

    Look at who was there that night and what transpired after the tragedy.

    Bear in mind, that the engineer told investigators that the dead man looked at him directly as his life ended.

    The man who died was very aware of the impact on the engineer’s psyche and was involved in a committee to help engineers who face this horrible event in their careers.

    Most people here are intelligent; you figure it out yourselves.

    I believe that one day, when we most of us are dust, the whole story will be told.

  10. Endorsement time

    The Official “Dirty Keith vs. Dirty Harry” blog syndicate announces it is supporting the campaign of

    “Bill Prim for Sheriff”

    Have some fun now folks with all this mess.

    My guess is thar it will continue on unless EVERYBODY does there part now.

    Get on your phoned folks make your voice heard.

  11. just think 8 more days and no one will have to kiss the “Zinke Ring”
    anymore

    Vote for Bill Prim

  12. http://dirtykeithvsdirtyharry3.blogspot.com/2012/03/fool-us-once-internet-top-cop-turns-out.html

    So, lets talk about con men on video. Remember Mr. Zinkes great NW Herald debate.

    Well, know a good camera can do wonders for some, take a look at the above linked story.

    This election IS about the ” Sins of the Father.”

    Chicago had its “Family Secrets” trials. McHenry County you now have your “Sins of the Father” election.

    What are you going to do about this on March 18?

  13. So, lets talk about con men on video. Remember Mr. Zinkes great NW Herald debate.

    Well, know a good camera can do wonders for some, take a look at the above linked story.

    This election IS about the ” Sins of the Father.”

    Chicago had its “Family Secrets” trials. McHenry County you now have your “Sins of the Father” election.

    What are you going to do about this on March 18?

    http://dirtykeithvsdirtyharry3.blogspot.com/2012/03/fool-us-once-internet-top-cop-turns-out.html

  14. Really accurate and truthful information from Dave Bachman…

    We have been living in the shadows of organized crime for years.

    This is a really critical election and people have been listening to what everyone has to say….

  15. You people are just Silly.

    Only 8 more days of your silliness, then Bill Prim can join Regime wannabes Mike Mahon & Zane Seipler.

    The End is Near.

    The Regime is crumbling.

    A tsunami of Real Republicans will overwhelmingly elect Andrew Zinke as our next Sheriff to continue the long established GOP tradition of Good Government in McHenry County.

  16. Teacher155, if you were or are a teacher in CL, then more respect will be lost for the profession.

    The Teacher’s Union appears to have helped put the corruption in.

    I am sure there are many more stories on what the Nygren/Zinke Regime have done.

    I pray they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

  17. “Teacher 155” = From the Regime…

    Yes your Regime is crumbling… Thanks to Andy Zinke the Clown…

    The antics of Andy Zinke are nothing but a preview of things to come, if he is elected into office….

    Very twisted Teacher you are, pointing the finger at people who are trying to create positive change..

    Have to say, I think that all of that popcorn and butter has gone to your brain..

    Bill Prim is the answer to a new and better government..

  18. Dirty Keith v. Dirty Harry endorses Bill Prim.

    That should be worth 1000 more votes for Andrew Zinke.

    And, if Duncan McHenry endorses Bill Prim, that should be good for another 1000 Zinke votes.

    Keep up the good work, guys.

    Now, time for some more lightly salted & buttered popcorn while I an episode of “Family Feud” and “Jeopardy”.

    I hear Bill Prim is a contestant….at leadt for 8 more days.

  19. “Teacher,” obviosly u take me much more seriously than I take myself.

    Of course my “endorsement” is not worth a dime. Lighten up.

    Enjoy the ride.

    Because of the battle, the victory will be sweeter for the victor.

    I still believe change is necessary.

  20. “Teacher 155” Please parents keep your children away from this person, a very bad example…

    Part of the Regime….trying to twos the facts and the truth about corruption..

  21. CP, good comment.

    What I remember after that fatal situation with the train, was Nygren on TV for a Press Conference.

    If I remember he said he did not know Phil . . . he and Phil were neighbors in the Covered Bridge Subdivision.

    I hope we hear the rest of that story.

  22. I normally write out my Thank You notes on Friday, but this seems like the appropriate time……………

    Thank You Karma,

    For Updating Your Files On The Z-Regime

  23. So now the Prim crowd wants Zinke to be unresponsive and resistant to queries from Court appointed prosecutors.

    It really is hard to keep up with your stance on some procedures as you keep taking both sides of arguments based solely on who took the action instead of the action itself.

    First you want him to be more responsive to Court appointed prosecutors now you want him to be less responsive?

  24. I know what is wrong with all you Zinke supporters you don’t know the meaning
    of the words:

    ethical, humble,noble,honest,integrity and I could go on.

    This is what Mr. Prim is but you have been accustomed to Zinke that you don’t know what attributes a person should have.

  25. While I do not know Mr. Prim personally, I do not doubt that he is a humble, noble, honest, ethical man with integrity.

    Unfortunately, the same does not hold true for many of his most ardent supporters.

    Mr. Andrew Zinke is a man of the highest character, ethics, honesty and integrity who is overwhelmingly supported by vast majority of community leaders, elected officials, law enforcement personnel and citizens throughout McHenry County.

    Except for a disgruntled few malcontents and power hungry Regime bosses, the People know and trust Andrew Zinke.

  26. Teacher isn’t it time for you to go to bed?

    People don’t want to hear your ridiculous comments about the Prim supporters.

    You did however compliment Bill Prim.

    I think you are really for him but for some reason don’t want the Zinke people to know that.

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