Political agent accused of sending obscene images to 2nd legislator

A southwest suburban political operative is now accused of sending obscene and abusive messages to two members of the Illinois legislature.

Timothy Pawula was indicted in May sending obscene and harassing messages to his boss’s opponent, State Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena). Representative Ozinga resigned suddenly without any explanation, weeks before the charges were announced.

WGN Investigates obtained a new misdemeanor complaint in late September accusing Pawula of sending similar sexually explicit messages to a second state legislator last year.

State Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) told WGN Investigates he received fabricated graphic images of himself in a sexually suggestive situation with an elected official in Tinley Park.

Rita said she believes she was targeted by Pawula because of her opposition to the planned racetrack and casino in Tinley Park. Rita was vice chair of the Illinois House committee that oversaw the games at the time.

State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) was also an opponent of the Tinley Park casino project. She allegedly received text messages containing fake sexually explicit images of herself, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other elected officials, according to a source. This case resulted in previously announced charges against Pawula.

“(Tinley Park) Mayor Glotz was interested in building a racetrack/casino in Tinley Park that the residents did not want,” State Representative Rita told WGN Investigates. “You. Hastings and I worked together to stop this.” Rita said she reviewed records showing Pawula did political work for the mayor of Tinley Park. Mayor Michael Glotz and a spokesman for the village did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime and fraud

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has secured new misdemeanor charges of harassment through electronic communication and transmission of sexually explicit messages. Pawula is expected to appear in court Thursday on the new charges.

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