A Chicago businessman with mob ties, Robert “Bobby” Dominic, has been charged with tax evasion. Allegations include a hidden interest in a gaming company led by the imprisoned son-in-law of Joe Berrios, former Cook County assessor. Dominic, 71, known for connections to Richard’s Bar on the Near West Side, faces a five-count indictment. Charges include tax evasion and failure to file tax returns. He has not yet been arraigned and is representing himself. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
Alleged Wrongdoing
The indictment details Dominic’s alleged secret earnings from two gaming companies from 2014 to 2020. Payments were made through a sham entity owned by his then-girlfriend. Following her death in January 2020, Dominic reportedly established another fake company with a woman known as Individual B. Payments continued to flow under this new setup.
On March 30, 2021, ownership of Sham Company B was allegedly adjusted to transfer all shares to Dominic upon Individual B’s death. The U.S. attorney’s office later subpoenaed Individual B for grand jury testimony, proposing immunity. Yet, days before her scheduled testimony, Individual B, aged 80, purportedly married Dominic to block her testimony.
Links to Sweepstakes Scheme
The indictment suggests Dominic earned over $1.2 million from gaming businesses but did not file tax returns for this income. These charges are linked to an investigation into illegal gaming operations involving former state Rep. Luis Arroyo and businessman James Weiss, married to Berrios’ daughter.
Dominic allegedly formed Promotional Consulting Inc. at the same address as Richard’s Bar and Acacia Hotel. Records show his legal representative in prior hotel-related lawsuits was attorney Edward Eberspacher.
“Yeah, well, Jimmy and Frank were good friends, and some Russians were muscling Jimmy, but Frank was on the run,” – Joseph Weiss speaking about protection arrangements sought from mob associate Frank Schweihs.
Trial and Mob Connections
Evidence links Dominic to mob enforcer Frank Schweihs, known for his involvement with the Grand Avenue street crew. Dominic’s association with Weiss suggests extensive ties in gambling operations.
James Weiss, convicted in June on multiple charges including bribery and fraud, allegedly collaborated with politicians for favorable gambling legislation. Unknown to Weiss and his co-conspirators, they were interacting with an undercover FBI informant.
Dominic’s connections extend to other controversial figures, showing intricate mob-related dealings. Weiss received a sentence of over five years in October 2023 for attempted bribery of state legislators. A prior testimony from State Sen. Terry Link, cooperating with the FBI, uncovered these schemes.
Arroyo faced nearly five years in prison but was later released to a halfway house. Joseph Weiss admitted guilt and served a two-month jail term.