A Chicago businessman linked to organized crime has been indicted for tax evasion. The case alleges he secretly benefited from sweepstakes gaming companies operated by the son-in-law of former Cook County assessor Joe Berrios.
Indictment Details
Robert “Bobby” Dominic, age 71 and known for ties to the Grand Avenue crew, faces charges in a five-count indictment. He is accused of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns. No date is set for his arraignment.
The indictment alleges Dominic earned hundreds of thousands from two sweepstakes gaming companies through a sham entity involving a former girlfriend. Following her death in January 2020, Dominic allegedly created another fake company with a second woman to continue receiving funds.
Documents reveal the transfer of interests to Dominic upon this second individual’s death. In 2024, federal prosecutors subpoenaed this woman to testify before a grand jury investigating Dominic. Days before her scheduled testimony, the 80-year-old married Dominic, allegedly to prevent her from testifying.
Sweepstakes Gaming Connection
Records show Dominic’s wife formed a company, Promotional Consulting Inc., at the same address as Richard’s Bar and an adjacent hotel associated with Dominic. Attorney Edward Eberspacher, who assisted Dominic in prior lawsuits, is listed as the agent. No comment was received from Eberspacher.
The indictment does not specify Dominic’s alleged unpaid taxes but claims he received over $1.2 million from the companies without declaring them in tax returns. His case is linked to an investigation into illegal sweepstake schemes that previously implicated political figures Luis Arroyo and James Weiss, who is related to Berrios.
Mob Ties and Financial Transactions
Dominic’s indictment mentioned ties to mob elements. Joseph Weiss, James’s brother, implicated Dominic in mob dealings in conversations caught on FBI wiretap. Dominic was characterized as both a gangster and an honest associate.
Prosecutors revealed Dominic and Weiss’s association with infamous mobster Frank “The German” Schweihs. Joseph Weiss recounted Schweihs helping with threats against Weiss’s businesses and identified Dominic as a long-term partner.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
James Weiss, previously convicted for bribery and fraud, is serving 5 ½ years. Weiss denied any mob connections. His business links to fired police officer John Adreani and intricate corporate structures were scrutinized during his trial.
A separate 2012 FBI sting operation had addressed meetings involving Dominic and Grand Avenue crew members planning illicit activities.
Terry Link, a state senator involved in a gambling legislation scheme, cooperated with the FBI against Arroyo and Weiss. Arroyo, not cooperating with authorities, was sentenced to nearly five years. Weiss is expected to serve several years in prison, with his release projected in 2027.
E-mails regarding the investigation were directed to [email protected].