A former police chief in the Chicago suburb of Summit, Illinois, received a three-year federal prison sentence this week for his role in a bribery scheme involving a liquor license transfer. The case has drawn attention to local government corruption and the misuse of official authority for personal gain.
John Kosmowski, aged 58 and residing in Lockport, faced conviction in December 2025 on multiple charges, including bribery conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice. U.S. District Court officials handed down the sentence on Wednesday, July 15, marking the end of a legal process that exposed coordinated efforts to profit from public positions.
Court records indicate that the misconduct dated back to 2017. At that time, Kosmowski worked alongside William Mundy, a building inspector for the village of Summit. Together, they arranged to receive $10,000 from local businessman Krzysztof Hodurek.
The payment was intended to smooth the way for transferring a liquor license to a different individual. Prosecutors described the arrangement as a clear exchange of cash for official influence, undermining the integrity of local licensing procedures.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Kosmowski personally accepted the cash from Hodurek. He then shared a portion of the funds with Mundy as part of their agreement. This division of proceeds highlighted the collaborative nature of the scheme between the two public employees.
Mundy entered a guilty plea before the trial began, admitting to bribery and related tax violations. He now awaits his own sentencing hearing, which could bring additional consequences for his participation.
Hodurek also reached a plea agreement last year. He admitted guilt to a federal wire fraud charge stemming from a separate effort to improperly collect unemployment insurance benefits from the state of Illinois. As part of that resolution, he acknowledged his involvement in the bribery plot with the police chief and building inspector. His sentencing remains pending as well.
Beyond the core bribery allegations, federal authorities pursued an obstruction of justice charge against Kosmowski. This stemmed from actions he took after learning of the ongoing investigation into the illicit payment.
During a private conversation with Mundy, the former chief attempted to coordinate their stories. He encouraged the building inspector to portray the $10,000 transfer as nothing more than a personal loan if questioned by investigators. This effort to influence testimony formed the basis for the obstruction count.
The case originated from a broader federal probe into public corruption in the area. Authorities emphasized how such schemes erode public confidence in local institutions responsible for enforcing laws and regulating businesses.
Legal experts following the matter noted that sentences in bribery cases involving law enforcement officials often carry significant weight. The three-year term reflects the seriousness with which federal courts view breaches of trust by those sworn to uphold the law.
As Kosmowski prepares to report to prison, the outcome serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in suburban government operations. Village residents and business owners alike may reflect on how these actions affected community standards and licensing fairness.
Federal prosecutors from the Northern District of Illinois commended the investigative work that brought the case to resolution. They stressed that no one, regardless of position, stands above the law when engaging in corrupt practices.
The full impact of the sentencing may extend beyond the individuals involved. It could prompt local authorities to review oversight procedures for liquor licenses and other regulated activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
