02222019 - News Article - Portage Township trustee replaces convicted mayor as chamber speaker

Portage Township trustee replaces convicted mayor as chamber speaker
NWI Times
February 22, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/portage-township-trustee-replaces-convicted-mayor-as-chamber-speaker/article_e6777be2-282f-5519-b81b-0726dcf44627.html

PORTAGE — Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy told those gathered at a luncheon Thursday that his wife's dream man was a tall, handsome brain surgeon.

"Somehow, she ended up with me, which is kind of the boat you ended up in," Clancy, a last-minute fill-in at the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce's luncheon, said.

Former Portage Mayor James Snyder originally was to give his annual State of the City speech at Thursday's Chamber luncheon. Snyder, however, was convicted Feb. 14 of felony charges of bribery and tax obstruction. The conviction automatically removed him from office.

So, Clancy was tapped to give a talk. In his third term as trustee, Clancy, a Democrat, was defeated by Snyder, a Republican, for the mayor's seat in 2015.

City Councilwoman and Acting Mayor Sue Lynch, D-at-large, and City Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, who is the presumptive candidate to fill out Snyder's remaining 10 months, sat at the front table, as Clancy gave a State of the Township address at Woodland Park here.

The two have been working together to run the city since Snyder's conviction. The pair have also launched their independent campaigns for mayor in this year's municipal elections.

"It is nice to see people doing the right thing and moving the city forward," Clancy said after acknowledging Lynch and Cannon.

Clancy told the group that in nine years, his office hasn't purchased vehicles for himself or his staff.

"We make enough money, we don't need you to pay for our cars," Clancy said.

Clancy told the group running a township is not like running a business.

"It's about governing, doing the right thing. You make your city or your town or your township better, and people are going to want to come here," Clancy said.

Clancy touted accomplishments of his office, including increasing the number of people receiving assistance while the budget was lowered; working with the county on construction of a new building; and having complaint-free State Board of Accounts audits from 2013 to 2016.

"I was so impressed and proud of that," Clancy said, crediting his staff for the achievements.

"I feel like Phil Collins as a coach, and I got five Michael Jordans," Clancy said.

02222019 - News Article - Convicted mayor's father pleads for mercy: 'He has done nothing wrong'

Convicted mayor's father pleads for mercy: 'He has done nothing wrong'
NWI Times
February 22. 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/convicted-mayor-s-father-pleads-for-mercy-he-has-done/article_25b52ad1-a2d8-5fc0-9d50-aa9b0a02de3b.html

HAMMOND — The father of convicted former Portage Mayor James Snyder is asking the court to "have mercy on him."

In a letter filed with U.S. District Court Thursday, Bruce Snyder, writes to U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen, telling him his son is a "good man."

James Snyder was convicted Feb. 14 on felony counts of bribery and tax obstruction following a 19-day trial in federal court. The two-term mayor was acquitted on a second count of bribery. He is awaiting sentencing on May 24

"On behalf of his mother, his wife and four wonderful children, I ask that you have mercy on him. His life is in near ruins and he has already learned any lessons to be learned. He is not, nor will he ever be, a detriment to society," Bruce Snyder writes to the judge.

"James is a good man. He's a loving father of four and has a wonderful wife. I believe with all my heart, in spite of the verdict, that he has done nothing wrong. I was at the trial every day and I believe the prosecution did not prove him to be guilty of anything," Snyder wrote.

In the letter Snyder said he and his wife, Sandi, did their best to raise their children in a "good Christian home" and to make them contributors to society.

"We taught them to work hard and be honest. Until this episode evidence pointed to the fact that we were successful in doing just that," Snyder wrote.

Bruce Snyder writes of his oldest son who served in the military and is the general manager at a large corporation and of James Snyder's youngest sister, who teaches in high school and college.

He does not mention his other son, Porter County Assessor Jon Snyder, who worked as an undercover informant for the FBI during the investigation into James Snyder and others. Jon Snyder wore a wire for the FBI, secretly taping conversations with his brother, former co-defendant John Cortina and others.

Jon Snyder pleaded guilty to misdemeanor federal tax charges and is scheduled to be sentenced April 30.

Cortina pleaded guilty to paying James Snyder a $12,000 bribe in a pay for towing scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced April 22. James Snyder was acquitted on that count.

02222019 - News Article - Clarification: Portage trustee did not intentionally criticize former mayor

Clarification: Portage trustee did not intentionally criticize former mayor
NWI Times
February 22, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/corrections/clarification-portage-trustee-did-not-intentionally-criticize-former-mayor/article_0b178f41-d2f5-516c-aba0-4aaabe466a41.html
Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy said he did not intentionally criticize former Portage mayor James Snyder over the purchase of vehicles at taxpayer expense during his speech Thursday to the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce.

A story ran in Friday's edition covering the chamber event. 

Clancy said he simply wanted to point out to guests that the township has not purchased vehicles for staff members for the last nine years.

The Times regrets the error.

02212019 - News Article - Ex-Portage mayor convicted of bribery raised $69K in 2018, campaign report says

Ex-Portage mayor convicted of bribery raised $69K in 2018, campaign report says
Chicago Tribune
February 21, 2019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-snyder-campaign-report-st-0222-story.html

In an off year for municipal elections and with a federal trial looming on the horizon, now-former Portage Mayor James Snyder still raised more than $69,000 for his campaign, according to a 2018 campaign finance report filed Thursday with the Porter County Clerk’s Office.

By the end of the year, Snyder spent $54,511.07 of the funds. He had $15,722.22 left, and his campaign has $11,577.69 in debts to pay off, a review of the report shows.

The balance will be rectified and the fund will be closed sometime this year, said Kenard Taylor, Snyder’s treasurer. Snyder did not return a call seeking comment.

Snyder’s 2017 campaign finance report reflected about $102,000 in contributions and expenditures, including $41,000 in legal fees to two attorneys related to his November 2016 federal indictment, as well as $15,000 in payments to his wife, Deborah, for “office work.”

Those figures were down last year, with $7,287.50 spent on legal expenses and $13,000 going to his wife for what was noted as “campaign management” on the form.

“You still have a lot of functions you do,” even though it wasn’t a campaign year, Taylor said, including a golf outing and Snyder’s roundtable group, comprised of donors who contributed $2,000. “She did all of that work.”

The debts include $5,577.69 that Snyder loaned to his campaign, and $6,000 for John Cortina, Snyder’s co-defendant and the owner of Kustom Auto Body in Portage, the balance of what Taylor said was a loan from Cortina.

Cortina loaned Snyder $10,000 in 2016 and Snyder forgave $2,000 of it in 2017 and $2,000 last year, Taylor said. Cortina remained a member of Snyder’s roundtable group without making the required $2,000 campaign contribution those years, Taylor said. That is reflected on Snyder’s 2018 campaign finance report.

Snyder did not file to seek a third term in office. The deadline to file for this year’s municipal election closed Feb. 8, less than a week before Snyder was convicted on two of the three federal felonies against him.

A jury in U.S. District Court in Hammond found Snyder guilty on Feb. 14 of bribery and obstructing the IRS, bringing to a close a 19-day trial. The jury acquitted Snyder of a third count that allege he took a $12,000 bribe to get a company on Portage’s tow list. Cortina was charged involving that count and pleaded guilty in January.

The felony convictions make Snyder ineligible to hold office under state statute, and he lost the office once the verdict was in.

“He felt he was going to be able to clear himself and run again. That’s the premise he was going on” for fundraising for his campaign, Taylor said.

Donors listed in the 22-page report include individuals and several businesses, as well as contributions from several political action committees, including those affiliated with local unions.

Other expenses included a reimbursement back to Snyder of $9,406.38 for campaign expenses; $421.39 for dinner for what was described as a “legal meeting” at an Indianapolis restaurant; $597.75 in gas for Snyder’s city-owned car; and several dinners at restaurants for city meetings and campaign donors, including a donor dinner at Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago for $239.17, and a city dinner at Yard House in Las Vegas for $240.91.

Snyder’s sentencing is tentatively set for May 14.

02212019 - News Article - Race to replace Portage Mayor Snyder begins in wake of public corruption convictions

Race to replace Portage Mayor Snyder begins in wake of public corruption convictions
NWI Times
February 21, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/race-to-replace-portage-mayor-snyder-begins-in-wake-of/article_d9e64a55-a7ac-5014-bbab-0252fd8f3800.html

PORTAGE — Portage City Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, has stepped forward hoping to fill the mayoral post vacated last week with the federal public corruption convictions of fellow Republican James Snyder.

Cannon announced Thursday he has submitted the necessary paperwork to run as a candidate in the party's caucus to be held at 10 a.m. March 2 at the Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St.

"I have been preparing for the possibility of stepping up since the indictment was issued in November 2016," Cannon said referring to Snyder.

Cannon said he joined Democrat Councilman Mark Oprisko in January 2017 to call on Snyder to step away from his duties.

Cannon knew of no other Republicans who have yet submitted the paperwork to run in the caucus.

Republican precinct officials from Portage will come together to elect someone from their party to complete Snyder's term through the end of the year, Porter County Republican Party Chairman Mike Simpson has said.

Eligible candidates must be registered Republicans and registered voters who reside within the city of Portage, he said.

Portage City Councilwoman Sue Lynch, a Democrat, took over as temporary mayor in the wake of the Feb. 14 convictions as a result of her position as president of the council.

"I've been working hand-in-hand with Sue Lynch," said Cannon, who is also the sole Republican mayoral candidate on the ballot for this year's municipal election.

Democrats have a four-way race seeking their party's nomination. Candidates are Lynch, Leo T. Hatch Jr., city Director of Economic Development Andy Maletta and Clerk-Treasurer Christopher D. Stidham.

Cannon said in a prepared statement Thursday that all promises to his district have been completed during his two terms on the council, with the exclusion of one final project scheduled to be completed before the completion of his final term as councilman.

"I am tested and ready to lead and continue our progress," he said. "I have experience working with others to create change."

After a trial spanning three weeks, a Hammond federal court jury found Snyder guilty of two felonies — one bribery count and another tax-related felony. The panel acquitted Snyder of a third bribery charge.

The bribery conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while the obstruction count is punishable by up to three years.

Under Indiana law, a felony conviction immediately removes an elected official from public office.

02212019 - News Article - Convicted Portage mayor still 'owes' former co-defendant $6,000

Convicted Portage mayor still 'owes' former co-defendant $6,000
NWI Times
February 21, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/convicted-portage-mayor-still-owes-former-co-defendant/article_a8a92b85-cd03-52f7-88c6-4cfd9dd71cf6.html

PORTAGE — During his public corruption trial, former Mayor James Snyder contended the money he received from his former co-defendant was always a loan and not a bribe.

Snyder still owes former co-defendant John Cortina $6,000 of that alleged $10,000 loan, according to his 2018 annual campaign finance report filed Thursday. 

Cortina pleaded guilty to paying Snyder the bribe, but jurors acquitted Snyder on that charge. They found him guilty last week on a second bribery charge and for obstructing IRS efforts to collect back taxes. He will be sentenced on May 24.

Snyder's report was filed more than a month late, campaign treasurer Kenard Taylor said Thursday, because Snyder was tied up in the trial, which lasted 19 days.

According to the report, Snyder raised just over $69,000 in 2018, substantially lower than the $101,000 he raised the previous year. He spent just over $54,000, leaving an account balance of $15,722. Of that, he owes $11,577 — $6,000 to Cortina and the rest to himself.

Taylor said Snyder will disband his campaign committee once he repays the loans and spends what he has left to zero out the books.

Snyder paid more campaign money to his wife and himself than he did to his attorneys, according to the report.

His wife, Deborah, received $13,000 for campaign management work, his local attorney Dogan & Dogan received $2,000 and Indianapolis-based attorney Jackie Bennett $4,000 from campaign funds. He also reimbursed himself nearly $6,000 in campaign expenses, even though there was no municipal election in 2018, and repaid himself nearly $8,000 from a previous loan. 

Snyder's largest contributor was DPBG Pac of Indianapolis, which donated $4,000 to his campaign, followed by Taylor, who donated $3,500 in in-kind consulting services, and 5-Star Engineering of Portage, which donated $2,750.

Donors giving $2,000 included former Portage Clerk-Treasurer Donna Pappas; Joseph Mrak, of Noblesville; Paul Shaffer, of Portage; Todd Gore, of Portage; Allen's Snow Removal, of Portage; Circle R Electric, of Portage; Great Lakes Engineering; Hodges and Davis, a Portage law firm; Reeder's Auto, of Portage; SAR Development, of Portage; the Pangere Group, of Gary; Trans-United, of Burns Harbor; Woodland Village, of Portage; Hamady Services LLC, of Hobart and Samuelson Insurance, of Portage.

02212019 - News Article - Rich James: Mayor Snyder and the truth

Rich James: Mayor Snyder and the truth
Howey Politics - Indiana
February 21, 2019
https://howeypolitics.com/Content/Columns/Columns/Article/Rich-James-My-Snyder-and-the-truth/10/20/20218

MERRILLVILLE – I hate to see anyone go to prison, including former Portage Mayor James Snyder, even though I’ve never really cared for the guy. Even though I have no love for Snyder, he does have a family and those are the people who will suffer the most when he is incarcerated.

And yes, he will go to jail. That’s what happens to mayors who violate the public trust. And, for all those who love attacking Democrats, it should be noted that Snyder is a Republican.

I first talked to Snyder in 2011 when he was making his bid for mayor against incumbent Democrat Olga Velazquez. Shortly after taking office, Velazquez had hired former FBI special agent Mark Becker as police chief. Becker had a reputation throughout Northwest Indiana as a bright, no-nonsense law enforcement agent. He had spent a good deal of time in Gary fighting gangs and drugs.

Becker performed well in Portage, but he and law enforcement became a key issue in the campaign between Velazquez and Snyder. Snyder leaned on scare tactics in an effort to turn the city against Velazquez. Toward the end of the campaign, Becker’s future came into question.

I asked Snyder if he would consider retaining Becker as police chief. After all, there was no one in the department with more expertise in law enforcement. Snyder hemmed and hawed and finally said he would grant Becker an interview. I didn’t believe Snyder at the time and he proved me right.

A couple weeks after the election, which Snyder won by fewer than 300 votes, the mayor-elect said he would not grant Becker an interview and that Becker would not continue as police chief.

Yeah, Snyder lied to me. But there is nothing illegal about an elected official lying to a newspaper man. No, it’s not illegal, but it says something about the ethics of the man. It’s too bad the people of Portage didn’t recognize that before electing Snyder mayor. 

02162019 - News Article - James Snyder's legacy leaves a mix of scandal and progress

James Snyder's legacy leaves a mix of scandal and progress
NWI Times
February 16, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/james-snyder-s-legacy-leaves-a-mix-of-scandal-and/article_b92909d0-b26e-5694-8aaa-ce8d0f1c24e1.html

PORTAGE — Former Mayor James Snyder's legacy likely will be most remembered for how he left the office.

The nearly four-year-long investigation into alleged wrongdoings led to a November 2016 indictment on three charges in federal court. That led to 26 months of court proceedings that often put the city into a negative regional light.

The investigations, allegations and political maneuverings also often resulted in open bickering between Snyder and members of the City Council.

His alleged attempt to use $93,000 in utility funds to pay legal fees resulted in council members stripping him of his authority as the head of the city's utility board. That action led to Snyder suing the council to regain control, costing taxpayers more than $300,000 in legal fees.

Despite Snyder's felony bribery and tax obstruction convictions in federal court last week, Snyder, who left office about 10 months short of finishing his second term, left other marks on the city.

Positive progress and programs
Under his administration's leadership, the city saw the construction of a new fire station on Central Avenue and the renovation of the underutilized University Center into a new police station.

The adjacent Founders Square Park also was completed with the addition of a splash pad and pavilion. A handicapped-accessible playground also was constructed on the park property, thanks to a partnership between the city and local nonprofit Hannah's Hope.

Surrounding the park, the city saw one of the largest private investments in the city come to be. Promenade at Founders Square, an apartment/commercial development by Holladay Properties, launched to continue Snyder's administration's efforts to develop a viable downtown-like area in the city.

The administration also instituted an "all-call" system that would reach out to residents via telephone calls, emails and/or text messages to warn them of an emergency situation, changes of city services or upcoming programs of interest in the city.

The city constructed a new $6.5 million street and sanitation multi-building facility.

Progress also was made on the development of the city's north side. While Lakefront Park and Riverwalk, owned by the National Park Service and managed by the city, continued to suffer from erosion, the city's Redevelopment Commission, under Snyder's leadership, funded a project that extended the park southward, adding parking and trails and converting a former steelworker training center into an open air pavilion.

Mixed results
Despite successes in the city's downtown, Snyder failed to persuade county officials to construct a new combined county building/City Hall on Central Avenue adjacent to the police station. Some county officials balked at the partnership at the time, citing Snyder's legal entanglements. Instead, the county chose to renovate and add to its present facility on Willowcreek Road.

A major mark Snyder left on the city — and one that led to one of his felony convictions — was the conversion of the city's garbage pickup services from the traditional slinging of cans of trash into a truck to an automated system, which saved the city money and worker injuries.

The switch to the automated service became tangled in charges that Snyder accepted a bribe of $13,000 from former Great Lakes Peterbilt owners Bob and Steve Buha to steer contracts their way. Snyder was convicted on that charge and could face 10 years in federal prison.

02162019 - News Article - Portage begins leadership transition after Mayor James Snyder's bibery conviction, ouster

Portage begins leadership transition after Mayor James Snyder's bibery conviction, ouster
Chicago Tribune
February 16, 2019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-portage-mayor-removed-st-0216-story.html

Evidence that James Snyder had served as the city’s mayor for seven years was rapidly disappearing Friday morning at Portage City Hall.

His portrait in the lobby had been taken down, leaving just a nameplate. His city-issued Ford Explorer sat in a parking lot behind the building, surrendered Thursday immediately after he was convicted on two of three felonies in U.S. District Court in Hammond.

Porter County Sheriff’s Department deputies had been at the building earlier, recording video of the contents in his former mayor’s office, which Acting Mayor Sue Lynch said was to make sure nothing went missing.

Snyder’s personal effects, family photos and memorabilia from his time in office, were removed from the places where they once sat in his office and waited to be boxed up. Lynch, a Democrat and at-large councilwoman who took on the acting mayor’s role as council president under state statute, said the city could have them delivered to him.

At the time of the verdict, announced Thursday afternoon, Portage police officers changed access codes on the doors at City Hall, Lynch said, and, in perhaps her first act as the city’s acting mayor, she sent letters to the city’s employees and department heads.

Between taking phone calls and sending texts, Lynch and City Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, said the two, along with other city officials, had been preparing for whatever they would be faced with after the trial concluded.

“Our employees have been very stressed out the last couple years,” Lynch said, referring to Snyder’s indictment in November 2016. “They didn’t know what would happen to them. We didn’t want them to have more stress.”

With an assortment of city meetings in the coming weeks, business is continuing regardless of the transition in city leadership.

“”We’re not going to let time go by,” Lynch said.

Cannon is uncontested on the May primary ballot for Portage mayor, and Lynch is one of four Democrat contenders for the office in the primary. Regardless, Cannon said he and Lynch agreed to work through the transition process together.

“We want to bring our city together and heal it, and that’s what we’re doing,” he said

Lynch’s letters explain that she will serve as acting mayor until the Porter County Republican Party holds a caucus in the coming weeks to find a replacement for Snyder. The person selected at the caucus will serve until Snyder’s term is up at the end of the year.

“It is important that the transition from the current mayor be smooth,” she wrote. “We cannot allow for the disruption of services to our residents.”

The letters, similar in content, explain that department heads and supervisors will not change.

“This is a very difficult time for our city. I would ask each of you to continue to do your job as you always have,” Lynch wrote to city employees.

She also said in both letters “that from this date forward you shall have no communication with former Mayor Snyder regarding any city business or city issues. You shall not provide him any documentation or information regarding the city,” adding his electronic and digital access to information, as well as physical access to city facilities, had been removed, and city employees and department heads are not allowed to assist him to gain that access.”

Lynch and Cannon are both longtime council members, taking office in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and said they were prepared to handle city business.

In the time since Snyder’s indictment, Lynch said, the city has been under a cloud of uncertainty.

“We’ve been in that holding pattern and it’s time to move forward,” she said.

The cooperation so far, Cannon said, including with the sheriff’s department and city employees, has been “wonderful.”

“We just have great people wanting the city of Portage to succeed, and that’s what we’re making sure happens,” he said.

02152019 - News Article - Juror from Portage mayor's bribery trial: 'No one thought he was not dirty'

Juror from Portage mayor's bribery trial: 'No one thought he was not dirty'
Chicago Tribune
February 15, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/james-snyder-s-legacy-leaves-a-mix-of-scandal-and/article_b92909d0-b26e-5694-8aaa-ce8d0f1c24e1.html

For the jury that convicted former Portage Mayor James Snyder, the decision was “obvious” on two guilty verdicts but reasonable doubt led to one not guilty verdict.

Erin Guerra, one of the Snyder jurors, talked about what went into the four women and eight men of the jury finding the now former Portage mayor guilty of bribery for taking a kickback off garbage truck contracts and obstructing the IRS, but cleared him of a second bribery count that made allegations of pay-to-play towing. Guerra is a former Post-Tribune employee.

Guerra said during deliberations, the jurors worked their way through each count, listened to each other’s perspectives on the facts of the case, and eventually reached unanimous verdicts.

For both bribery counts, Guerra said the jury was split at the beginning.

“No one thought he was not dirty,” Guerra said.

Guerra said the jury argued over reasonable doubt on both bribery counts.

After a 19-day trial, Snyder was convicted Thursday. His sentencing is tentatively set for May.

When the jury began deliberations Wednesday morning, they first tackled the obstructing the IRS charge.

Guerra said the jury quickly made up its mind, but still discussed the charge, even though they didn’t need to.

“It was very obvious,” Guerra said.

Prosecutors said Snyder, while owing tens of thousands of dollars to the IRS, funneled income through a shell company, and failed to disclose any of those assets to the IRS. Snyder had money flow through a company called SRC, but did not tell the IRS about that bank account.

“We could not see any good purpose for the account other than to hide assets,” Guerra said.

With the garbage truck deal, Guerra said all the facts gathered up were against Snyder.

Prosecutors said when Snyder ran for mayor in 2011, he told residents he planned to automate Portage’s trash pickup, but wound up steering contracts for $712,882.50 and another for $425,355 to Great Lakes Peterbilt, which was then owned by Robert and Steve Buha.

Great Lakes Peterbilt is now owned by a different firm.

Defense attorneys said Snyder used his experience in offering health insurance to city employees through the Affordable Care Act, and making technology upgrades to advise Great Lakes Peterbilt about making similar changes.

Some jurors almost bought that Snyder was consulting for the Buhas, Guerra said, but the timing of the payment and the purchase order the then-mayor signed looked suspicious.

The defense couldn’t even decide what Snyder was consulting on, Guerra said.

Throughout the trial, Snyder’s attorneys said he consulted on health care and information technology, but testimony from defense witnesses told jurors it was about phones, payroll, or referring Great Lakes Peterbilt to a tax attorney.

Guerra said a contract for the work couldn’t be produced, either by a subpoena from federal investigators or by the defense.

The bulk of deliberations centered on allegations of pay-to-play towing, she said.

Federal prosecutors said the mayor allegedly solicited money from John Cortina, of Kustom Auto Body in Portage, and “Individual A” and gave them a towing contract for Portage.

Cortina, 79, who was indicted alongside the mayor, in January pleaded guilty to a charge that he paid bribes to Snyder to get a spot on the tow list. Cortina did not testify during the trial, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself, according to court documents.

Snyder’s defense said during the trial that prosecutors presented no evidence that Snyder knowingly accepted any money that was purported to be a bribe. The defense said Snyder considered the money a loan from Cortina, a friend and political supporter, to help cover his legal fees.

Part of the first day and the entire second day centered on that one count, Guerra said. Jurors listened to some of the undercover recordings, read over transcripts of those conversations, and pored over the evidence, which was packaged in roughly 10 binders and a large box.

The jurors deliberately tried to see other people’s perspective on the charge as they discussed it, Guerra said.

Guerra said there wasn’t a smoking gun. She said there was concern about how much time had lapsed from the time of the payment to when Cortina and Jurgensen got on the list, and that Snyder and Cortina had known each other for several years.

“We thought it was fishy,” Guerra said. “It feels wrong but the evidence is just not there.”

When the trial was over, Guerra said she started reading articles about the case, and watched a video of Snyder discussing the verdict after it was announced.

“Today, we were able to knock one of the charges out. Thankfully the jury can see through that one,” Snyder said, after the verdict was announced. “The journey is still ongoing. We have two more counts to deal with.”

Guerra said she was surprised to see what Snyder told reporters outside the courthouse.

“Not one of us thought you were innocent,” Guerra said. “You weren’t technically guilty.”

Snyder said he will appeal the convictions.

“It’s weird making a decision knowing the whole thing will be appealed,” Guerra said.

When Guerra arrived at the federal courthouse in Hammond for jury selection on Jan. 14, many prospective jurors were worried about the fact the trial could run for a month. Guerra said when the judge said what case the jury would hear, she thought, “OK, at least it’ll be interesting.”

“I’m glad I did it,” Guerra said.

The jurors spent much of deliberations in a room that left just enough room for a conference table and chairs. The jurors had a white board they used to work through the charges, Guerra said, and a “nice, big” window.

When they were first picked, Guerra said it was quiet as the jurors hadn’t gotten to know each other yet, and they weren’t used to not having their phones accessible. As time wore on, Guerra said the jurors started joking around to help pass the time.

The judge, staff and court security officers were accommodating, Guerra said,

“They did everything they could to make sure serving was not a burden,” Guerra said.

02152019 - News Article - Portage City Hall locks changed, portrait removed in light of mayor's felony conviction

Portage City Hall locks changed, portrait removed in light of mayor's felony conviction
NWI Times
February 15, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/portage-city-hall-locks-changed-portrait-removed-in-light-of/article_8c416691-fcda-57cd-9bb5-944c1a0d8771.html

PORTAGE — The ink on disgraced former Mayor James Snyder's legal paperwork likely wasn't dry before the locks were changed at City Hall and his photograph was removed from the lobby of the building.

Friday morning, less than 24 hours after Snyder, 38, was convicted in U.S. District Court on felony charges of accepting a bribe in exchange for steering $1.25 million in city contracts, and obstructing IRS efforts to collect back taxes, Porter County Sheriff's department officers were videotaping items contained in his second-floor office.

"It is for everyone's protection," acting mayor Sue Lynch said of documenting both personal and city-owned items in the office before Snyder's personal items are packed up and removed from the building. Lynch said it is a common procedure when someone's employment is terminated.

Terminating Snyder from his position as mayor is essentially what the 12-member jury did Thursday afternoon in the public corruption trial, which lasted 19 days. Snyder is facing up to 10 years in prison on the bribery charge and three years on the tax obstruction charge. He is expected to appeal his conviction.

Jurors did acquit Snyder on a third charge that alleged he accepted a bribe in exchange for putting a company on the city's tow list.

Also Friday morning, Lynch, D-at-large, who was named acting mayor in accordance with state law because of her position as city council president, was working side-by-side with John Cannon, the city's lone Republican councilman who likely will be elected by Republican precinct committee members within the next month to fill Snyder's term, which ends Dec. 31.

The two, who could be pitted against each other in November's mayoral election, said they are putting political differences aside to move the city forward.

"Sue and I agreed to work together through this process. I want to help her and work with her," Cannon said.

"John and I have agreed he and I will work together. We are working together for the citizens of this city," Lynch said.

Lynch said council members put together a check list in anticipation of Snyder's possible conviction and worked through that list Thursday night.

Included in the list were emailed letters to all city department heads and employees.

The emails, Lynch said, were to reassure employees they would retain their jobs through the transition. The emails also reminded them they are to have no communication with Snyder regarding city business or issues and not provide him with any documents, information or access to city facilities.

"This is and has been a very difficult time for our city. I would ask each of you to continue to do your jobs as you always have. I do not intend at this time to replace any of you in your capacity as department heads," Lynch wrote. "Please just continue to serve the residents in your respective departments."

02152019 - News Article - That's So Region Podcast: Celebrating 219 Day with a new national park and another convicted politician

That's So Region Podcast: Celebrating 219 Day with a new national park and another convicted politician
NWI Times
February 15, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/that-s-so-region-podcast-celebrating-day-with-a-new/article_82fef9c5-bd31-5ea0-87dd-968a6500f589.html

02152019--PODCAST--That's-So-Regional--Another-Convicted-Politician

02142019 - News Article - With Portage mayor out after bribery conviction, city and county officials prepare for a new era

With Portage mayor out after bribery conviction, city and county officials prepare for a new era
Chicago Tribune
February 14, 2019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-portage-snyder-reaction-st-0215-story.html

Mayor James Snyder's conviction on two federal felonies Thursday means he automatically forfeits his office, and it reshuffles the local political deck

Local and county officials said it also means the city can finally move forward.

City Council President Sue Lynch. D-At large, took over the mayor's office Thursday afternoon, per state law, until Porter County Republican Chairman Mike Simpson can call a caucus to select a person to fill out Snyder's term. That person can hold the mayor's office until November's general election and a new mayor is inaugurated in early 2020.

“I'm not even looking at this temporary stint (as mayor) as a political thing,” said Lynch, who was elected council president in January. “I just want to help get the city back on an even keel.

“I'm not nervous about doing (the temporary mayoral position), because I'm a full-time council member, so I have insight into the office already.”

Simpson said Indiana code requires the party chairman to hold a party caucus within 30 days of an office holder's ouster from office. The chair also must give potential caucus candidates 10 days, including notice of the event's time and place, to notify people of the opportunity to run for the spot, Simpson said.

As of Tuesday, only Portage Councilman John Cannon, R-4th, expressed interest in entering the party caucus to select a new mayor, Simpson said, a fact Cannon confirmed.

Cannon, who is a candidate for the office in the May primary, said his campaign team already has laid out “a plan for the next four years to come” if he is selected by the caucus and elected in November.

Cannon is the sole Republican candidate for the mayor's spot, while Lynch will face Portage's Economic Development Director Andy Maletta, Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham and local businessman Leo Hatch Jr., for the Democratic nomination in May's primary election.

If he is selected by the party caucus to replace Snyder, Cannon said he will work “hand-in-hand” on any new legislation for the remainder of the year.

“It's truly a unique situation,” Cannon said.

In a prepared statement released shortly after Snyder’s conviction was announced, Cannon said due process had been determined in regards to Snyder’s indictment.

“Countless negative headlines have put Portage’s leadership in question,” he said, adding that he’s hopeful that’s over forever.

“It is time for Portage city government to get back to doing what is right. It is time for us to move on and do the people’s work,” he said, adding he will support Lynch “as we move forward, together.”

In a statement released on Facebook, Councilman Collin Czilli, D-5th, said Snyder “has tarnished Portage’s image” but he was confident the citizens will prove Portage is more than one corrupt mayor.

“This is never a day I wanted to see come in our community. This will leave a black mark on Portage’s 50 years of prosperity,” Czilli wrote. “However, I’m comforted by the fact that each elected official is committed to restoring faith in local government and our ability to govern effectively.”

Porter County Councilman Jeremy Rivas, D-2nd, has been an outspoken critic of Snyder’s and called for his resignation shortly after he was indicted in November 2016.

Rivas, whose district includes Portage, said he is glad the city can move forward and rebuild a relationship with the county and other municipalities, “and be the great city that it is.”

“It’s time to move on. I think this was the first step and the November election will be the second step in Portage’s healing,” Rivas said.

02142019 - News Article - 'We're a strong city': Temporary Mayor Sue Lynch voices confidence in wake of corruption convictions

'We're a strong city': Temporary Mayor Sue Lynch voices confidence in wake of corruption convictions
NWI Times
February 14, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/we-re-a-strong-city-temporary-mayor-sue-lynch-voices/article_907642d6-4a86-5489-be8a-5591c1070299.html

PORTAGE — Portage City Council President Sue Lynch voiced words of confidence for the city as she found herself suddenly elevated Thursday afternoon to temporary mayor in the wake of Republican Mayor James Snyder's public corruption convictions.

"We're going to be fine," she said. "We're a strong city."

Lynch, a Democrat who is among a pool of candidates running for mayor in this year's municipal election, will take over the city's top political seat until local Republican precinct committee officials elect someone from their party to complete Snyder's term through the end of the year.

"We're just going to have business as usual," Lynch said.

Porter County Republican Party Chairman Mike Simpson said he has 30 days to host the caucus to replace Snyder.

Eligible candidates must be registered Republicans and registered voters who reside within the city of Portage, he said.

The only person who has voiced interest so far is lone Republican City Councilman John Cannon, who is also the only Republican candidate on this year's general election ballot for the job, Simpson said.

"As we all know, due process has been determined in regards to the Portage mayor's indictment. My thoughts and prayers are with the Snyder family as they advance to the next chapter," Cannon, R-4th, said in a written statement.

"Countless negative headlines have put Portage’s leadership in question. I am hopeful that it's over forever. I know that the people of Portage are compassionate people, with a hope for positive headlines in the future. Portage is a forwarding looking city, always hopeful for new adventures for the future. Portage will only look backwards, to learn lessons," Cannon said. "It is time for Portage city government get back to doing what is right. It is time for us to move on and do the peoples work. I will support fully Council President Sue Lynch as we move forward, together."

"I truly don't believe it has an effect on our party," Simpson said of Snyder's convictions.

He said voters at the local level cast their ballots for individuals and not the party brand.

He personally found the convictions "saddening and disappointing," and said he feels for the mayor's wife and children.

Simpson said the local Republican Party encourages its candidates to follow the law.

Longtime Democratic City Councilman Mark Oprisko said he believes the convictions will hurt the Republican Party in this year's municipal elections.

"If I was a Republican, I would be worried," he said.

Oprisko also believes the convictions send a loud message to all elected officials to, "Do what is right in life."

"It's been a battle, and I'm glad it's over," Oprisko said. "It's just nice to turn this page and move forward with a new chapter for the city of Portage."

Democratic City Councilman Collin Czilli said in a prepared statement, "This is never a day I wanted to see come in our community. This will leave a black mark on Portage’s 50 years of prosperity. However, I’m comforted by the fact that each elected official is committed to restoring faith in local government and our ability to govern effectively."

"The two-year-long nightmare that has stalled Portage’s progress has finally come to an end once and for all," he said. "Now, we must move forward, unified in rebuilding trust with the citizens of Portage.

"James Snyder has tarnished Portage’s image, but I am confident that the citizens of Portage will prove that we are much more than one corrupt mayor."

"It’s sad that our city has had to go through this for the past two years.  The black cloud has finally been lifted and I am confident with our current city leaders we can move the city forward, and renew faith in city government. Let the healing begin," Councilwoman Liz Modesto, D-1st said.

02142019 - News Article - Jury finds Portage mayor guilty of bribery, obstructing the IRS

Jury finds Portage mayor guilty of bribery, obstructing the IRS
Chicago Tribune
February 14, 2019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-portage-mayor-snyder-verdict-st-0215-story.html

A federal jury Thursday found Portage Mayor James Snyder guilty of bribery and obstructing the IRS.

Snyder, 38, was convicted of taking a $13,000 bribe in exchange for contracts to sell five garbage trucks to the city, and using a shell company to hide income and assets from the IRS while owing back personal and business taxes. The jury acquitted Snyder of a third count that alleged he took a $12,000 bribe to get a company on Portage’s tow list.

Snyder has agreed to forfeit $13,000 to the federal government.

The verdict came on the 19th day of Snyder’s trial, and after the four women and eight men on the jury deliberated for nearly 12 hours.

“It’s been a really long road,” Snyder said, after the verdict was announced.

“Today, we were able to knock one of the charges out. Thankfully the jury can see through that one,” Snyder said. “The journey is still ongoing. We have two more counts to deal with.”

Snyder’s defense attorneys had indicated in court that they would appeal the conviction.

“The jury had their facts in front them and made the decision the best they could do with what they had in front of them,” Snyder said. “We’ll continue to work through this.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, which oversaw the prosecution, said that Snyder could face up to 10 years in prison on the bribery charge, and up to three years in prison on the obstruction charge. Snyder’s sentencing is tentatively set for May 14, according to court documents.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana was recused from the case, absent two prosecutors, as U.S. Attorney Thomas Kirsch II previously represented Snyder.

The jury arrived in Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen’s courtroom to announce the verdict just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Van Bokkelen asked the jury’s foreman if they had reached a verdict.

“Yes, we have come up with a verdict,” the foreman said.

As the jury’s verdict was announced in court, Snyder was first cleared of one count of bribery before the guilty verdicts on the other two counts were read.

Snyder kept his eye affixed on the judge as the verdict was read, his wife, family and a group of friends sat in the courtroom behind him.

Snyder, a Republican, was indicted in November 2016 and charged with allegedly violating a federal bribery statute and obstructing or impeding the IRS.

Prosecutors say that when Snyder ran for mayor in 2011, he told residents he planned to automate Portage’s trash pickup, but wound up steering contracts for $712,882.50 and another for $425,355 to Great Lakes Peterbilt, which was then owned by Robert and Steve Buha.

Great Lakes Peterbilt is now owned by a different firm.

Defense attorneys say that Snyder used his experience in offering health insurance to city employees through the Affordable Care Act, and making technology upgrades to advise Great Lakes Peterbilt about making similar changes.

A second count said that Snyder, while owing tens of thousands of dollars to the IRS, funneled income through a shell company, and failed to disclose any of those assets to the IRS.

Snyder was cleared of taking a bribe in an alleged pay-to-play towing scheme.

Federal prosecutors said the mayor allegedly solicited money from John Cortina, of Kustom Auto Body in Portage, and “Individual A” and gave them a towing contract for Portage.

Former Lake County Sheriff John Buncich, a Democrat, was indicted the same day as Snyder is a similar towing scheme. Buncich was found guilty and began serving a 15-year 8-month sentence in January 2018.

Cortina, 79, who was indicted alongside the mayor, in January pleaded guilty to a charge that he paid bribes to Snyder to get a spot on the tow list. Cortina did not testify during the trial, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself, according to court documents.

Snyder’s defense said during the trial that prosecutors presented no evidence that Snyder knowingly accepted any money that was purported to be a bribe. The defense said that Snyder considered the money a loan from Cortina, a friend and political supporter, to help cover his legal fees.

Snyder has maintained his innocence during the more than two years since he was indicted.

02142019 - VIDEO - Portage Mayor James Snyder guilty on 2 of 3 counts

Portage Mayor James Snyder guilty on 2 of 3 counts
NWI Times
February 14, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-felony-bribery-conviction-knocks-portage-mayor-out-of-office/article_e1bb6742-0ec0-543a-961d-2ffd17c715cb.html

02142019 - News Article - SNYDER GUILTY - UPDATE: Felony bribery conviction knocks Portage mayor out of office

SNYDER GUILTY
UPDATE: Felony bribery conviction knocks Portage mayor out of office
NWI Times
February 14, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/update-felony-bribery-conviction-knocks-portage-mayor-out-of-office/article_e1bb6742-0ec0-543a-961d-2ffd17c715cb.html

HAMMOND — A federal jury's verdict ensured two title changes for James Snyder Thursday: He is now the former Portage mayor and is a convicted felon.

After a trial spanning three weeks, the Hammond federal court jury found Snyder guilty of two felonies — one bribery count and another tax-related felony. The panel acquitted Snyder of a third bribery charge.

The bribery conviction is punishable by up to ten years in prison, while the obstruction count is punishable by up to three years, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois, which has been overseeing the case.

After walking from the Hammond courthouse, Snyder highlighted the dismissed charge.

Standing on the courthouse plaza holding the hand of his wife, Deborah, the disgraced former mayor said the jury "knocked one of the charges out."

But in posting the guilty verdict to two other felony charges, the jury also knocked Snyder out of the mayor's office.

Under Indiana law, a felony conviction immediately removes an elected official from public office.

Snyder, who was in the last year of his second term, will temporarily be replaced by Portage City Council President Sue Lynch, D-at-large.

She will serve as acting mayor until Portage Republican precinct committee members can elect someone to fulfill Snyder's term in a special caucus. Snyder's existing term was set to expire Dec. 31.

Jurors found Snyder guilty of accepting a $13,000 bribe from former Great Lakes Peterbilt owners Bob and Steve Buha in exchange for some $1.25 million in garbage truck bids. They also found him guilty of a tax obstruction charge in which he was accused of creating a sham company to hide money from the IRS.

Snyder was acquitted on a third charge, which alleged he accepted a $12,000 bribe from former co-defendant John Cortina and Samson Towing owner Scott Jurgensen, also an undercover FBI informant, to put the duo on the city's tow list.

Snyder contended throughout the 19-day trial the funds were a $2,000 contribution to his campaign committee and a $10,000 loan to his campaign.

Cortina pleaded guilty last month to a felony charge of paying Snyder the bribe and is scheduled to be sentenced in April.

Jurors deliberated nearly 12 hours over two days in the trial, which saw more than 20 witnesses and more than 15 days of testimony.

The investigation into Snyder began in September 2013 and led to a November 2016 grand jury indictment of Snyder and Cortina.

"This has been a really long road," Snyder said as he left the courthouse.

As the verdict was read, neither Snyder, his wife nor his parents showed any emotion to the convictions.

Snyder's contempt for the government prosecution, however, was evident.

Following the reading of the verdict, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen and others discussed Snyder's decision to waive a jury hearing on the forfeiture of $13,000 resulting from the bribery conviction.

Van Bokkelen, who said he had never dealt with the issue in a similar way, asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson for advice.

Snyder asked the judge why he was asking the government prosecutor for advice and not Snyder's own attorney.

"It's really hard to take his word for anything," Snyder said, directing his comment toward Benson.

Unlike during Tuesday's closing arguments, which saw a packed courtroom of Snyder's friends and family, only a handful of family members and friends were present when the verdict was read Thursday.

Snyder said the jurors saw beyond the allegations in the towing-related bribery charge, which led to an acquittal on that charge.

He said he will continue to fight the conviction, presumably through appeal.

One of his attorneys, Jackie Bennett, said during the afternoon courtroom session they have "reserved a number of issues for appeal."

Snyder is scheduled to be sentenced at 11 a.m. May 24 before Van Bokkelen.

02142019 - News Article - NW Indiana mayor convicted of taking bribe that impacted city contracts

NW Indiana mayor convicted of taking bribe that impacted city contracts
Chicago Sun-Times
February 14, 2019
https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/nw-indiana-mayor-convicted-of-taking-bribe-that-impacted-city-contracts/

A federal grand jury found a northwest Indiana mayor guilty of bribery Thursday after he allegedly solicited and took a payoff that influenced lucrative city contracts.

Portage Mayor James Snyder, 38, was found guilty of the bribery charge, as well as a single count of obstruction of internal revenue laws, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Officer for the Northern District of Illinois. He was acquitted of an additional count of bribery.

From 2012 to 2014, Snyder solicited and pocketed a $13,000 check that was used to influence a series of contracts the city awarded, including contracts approved by the Portage Board of Works that totaled more than $1.1 million, prosecutors said.

Snyder was also convicted of hiding cash to avoid paying the IRS personal taxes and taxes owed by his mortgage business, Financial Trust Mortgage LLC in Portage, prosecutors said.

In addition to secretly diverting funds from his business to a sole proprietorship he created, Snyder also submitted tax forms that failed to disclose the existence of the holding and its bank account, among other things, prosecutors said.

The bribery conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while the obstruction count carries a maximum prison sentence of 3 years, prosecutors said.

02142019 - VIDEO - Portage Mayor Convicted Of Accepting $13000 In Bribes

Portage Mayor Convicted Of Accepting $13000 In Bribes
CBS Chicago
February 14, 2019
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/4029467-portage-mayor-convicted-of-accepting-13000-in-bribes/

02142019 - News Article - Northwestern Indiana mayor convicted of bribery, tax charge

Northwestern Indiana mayor convicted of bribery, tax charge
WGN-TV
February 14, 2019
https://wgntv.com/2019/02/14/northwestern-indiana-mayor-convicted-of-bribery-tax-charge/
HAMMOND, Ind. — A jury has convicted a northwestern Indiana mayor of one count each of bribery and tax obstruction while acquitting him of a second bribery count.

The jury returned the verdicts Thursday against 38-year-old Portage Mayor James Snyder during its second day of deliberations. Under Indiana law, a felony conviction immediately removes an elected official from public office.

Snyder, a Republican, was found guilty of accepting $13,000 from a Portage company after it received contracts worth more than $1.25 million for garbage trucks. The tax charge stems from a mortgage company he once managed and back personal income taxes.

He was acquitted of a charge alleging he solicited $12,000 from towing operators.

Snyder has maintained his innocence. His attorneys indicated he will appeal the convictions.

02132019 - News Article - No verdict yet in Portage Mayor James Snyder's public corruption trial

No verdict yet in Portage Mayor James Snyder's public corruption trial
NWI Times
February 13, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/no-verdict-yet-in-portage-mayor-james-snyder-s-public/article_aceae5d7-d283-51cd-9836-ed88c4ca4638.html

HAMMOND — Jurors in Portage Mayor James Snyder's public corruption case deliberated for nearly six hours Wednesday before being sent home for the night.

Jury deliberations will continue at 9 a.m. Thursday in what will be the 19th day of the trial.

Snyder was indicted in November 2016 on three charges. His trial began Jan. 14.

The first count against Snyder alleges he solicited two bank checks, for $10,000 and $2,000, from former co-defendant Cortina to put Cortina and his business partner, Scott Jurgensen, owner of Samson Towing, on the city's towing list.

Snyder claimed $2,000 was a campaign donation, and $10,000 came from Cortina as loans to pay Snyder's attorney bills. 

In transcripts of undercover recordings, Cortina refers to the money as "juice money" he paid Snyder in an effort to get on the city's towing list. During his plea hearing Friday, Cortina told the court he perceived the money to be a bribe.

Cortina, who took the Fifth Amendment and did not testify during Snyder's trial, pleaded guilty last month to paying the bribe.

The second count against Snyder alleged he accepted $13,000 from a Portage company in exchange for favorable contracts with the city. Snyder was alleged to have solicited the $13,000 from Great Lakes Peterbilt days after the company received contracts worth more than $1.25 million for garbage trucks.

The third count against Snyder involves his private business operations with a mortgage company he previously managed. The count alleges, among other things, that Snyder, who managed the company, collected but failed to pay to the federal government employee payroll taxes. The alleged behavior dates back to 2005. He was also accused of obstructing the IRS from collection some $30,000 in back personal income taxes.

Prosecutors said Snyder created a company through which he funneled money to hide it from the IRS and failed to file appropriate tax forms.