Andy Zinke
The First Electric Newspaper’s Editor, Pete Gonigam, got half a loaf in response to this Freedom of Information request and suit yesterday.
Gonigam sought a report prepared by Donald Leist about an “investigation clearing former Undersheriff Andy Zinke of violating general orders by telling a political supporter the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was following a shipment of marijuana to his warehouse.”
Judge Thomas Meyer, ruling about two years after the original FOIA request was filed, allowed only a redacted summary of the report that former Sheriff Keith Nygren approved with relationship to protege Undersheriff Andy Zinke.
You can read Gonigam’s article here.
The reporter also summarizes Sgt. John Kozio’s suit that prompted the internal examination.
Included in the story is McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s decision that Zinke broke no laws in telling a local businessman and political supporter that a truck coming to his firm had interested the Drug Enforcement Administration.
A bill was passed subsequently (Senate Bill 2695) that seems to make future such actions “official misconduct”:
(720 ILCS 5/33-3) (from Ch. 38, par. 33-3)
Sec. 33-3. Official Misconduct.)
(a) A public officer or employee or special government agent commits misconduct when, in his official capacity or capacity as a special government agent, he or she commits any of the following acts:
(b) An employee of a law enforcement agency commits misconduct when he or she knowingly uses or communicates, directly or indirectly, information acquired in the course of employment, with the intent to obstruct, impede, or prevent the investigation, apprehension, or prosecution of any criminal offense or person. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall be construed to impose liability for communicating to a confidential resource, who is participating or aiding law enforcement, in an ongoing investigation.
