Police: Somonauk man tried to enlist police chief in bribery scheme

If you're planning to commit a crime, it's often not a good idea to enlist the local police chief to help you.

But that's what DeKalb County prosecutors say the manager of a restaurant in Sandwich did recently.

Ryan F. Sargis, 44, Somonauk, was charged with bribery Thursday after police say they recorded him discussing a scheme with Sandwich Police Chief James Bianchi.

According to court documents, Sargis met with Bianchi and offered him $500 to give to interim Mayor Rich Robinson. In return, Sargis wanted the mayor's help to help secure a special use permit for Route 34 Pub & Grub, 1201 E. Church St., according to court documents. Documents show that Sargis is in charge of daily business at the restaurant.

Sargis was arrested at 12:21 p.m. in the 1200 block of E Church Street, Sandwich.

According to court documents, police obtained a warrant on Aug. 30 to authorize eavesdropping by police to record conversations in their investigation.

Workers at the restaurant declined to comment Friday.

Sargis posted $2,000 bail on Thursday and was released from jail, according to court records. He is next due in court 9 a.m. Sept. 25.