FILE – Illinois State Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP, File)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker says that Sen. Martin Sandoval should step down as chairman of the Transportation Committee while he is under federal investigation for fraud involving construction work.
Pritzker told reporters in Oak Lawn Wednesday that the Chicago Democrat should be removed if he doesn’t relinquish the post. Sandoval was instrumental in passage of Pritzker’s $41.5 billion state construction program from which money is going out now.
FBI agents raided Sandoval’s Springfield and Chicago offices and home Sept. 24. A redacted search warrant released Tuesday shows federal agents were seeking data on concrete and construction businesses, bribery or theft of federal funds.
Sandoval did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Senate President John Cullerton has not made a decision about Sandoval’s future. He says he wants more information first.
