Brother of convicted businessman James Weiss gets 60 days in prison for lying to FBI, IRS
Family Ties to Chicago Mob
Joseph Weiss, brother of convicted businessman James T. Weiss, was sentenced to 60 days in prison on Wednesday for lying to the FBI and IRS about his brother’s ties to the late Chicago mobster Frank “The German” Schweihs.
Lying to Federal Agents
Prosecutors said Joseph Weiss lied to federal investigators when he denied his brother had ties to Schweihs, a reputed Chicago Outfit hitman who died in 2008. Joseph Weiss pleaded guilty in May to one count of making false statements to federal agents.
Secretly Recorded Conversation
Prosecutors pointed to a secretly recorded conversation from 2018 in which Joseph Weiss said James Weiss had been “partners” with Schweihs, and that James Weiss once turned to Schweihs for help with “some Russians” who had “busted up” his store.
Court Ruling
U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly described the crime as "serious" and sentenced Joseph Weiss to 60 days in prison, less than the four months that prosecutors were seeking. However, the judge noted the 16 letters sent in support of Joseph Weiss “were quite impressive … and say a lot about Mr. Weiss’ character … to his benefit."
Brother’s Conviction
James Weiss, son-in-law of former Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, is currently serving a 5 ½-year prison term and is not due to be released until August 2028. He was convicted of bribing then-state Rep. Luis Arroyo and trying to bribe then-state Sen. Terry Link. Arroyo is serving a prison sentence until December 2025. Link was sentenced to probation.
Scheme to Overlook Sweepstakes Machines
Joseph Weiss admitted to lying to federal agents who questioned him while exploring mob ties to sweepstakes gambling machines, which look like video slot machines but offer “free play” options and coupons to users.
Conclusion
Joseph Weiss’s sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and the consequences of making false statements to federal agents. It is crucial that individuals like Joseph Weiss come clean and cooperate with authorities to ensure that justice is served.
FAQs
- Who is Frank "The German" Schweihs?
- Frank “The German” Schweihs was a reputed Chicago Outfit hitman who died in 2008.
- Who is James Weiss?
- James Weiss is the brother of Joseph Weiss and a convicted businessman who was sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison.
- What was Joseph Weiss charged with?
- Joseph Weiss was charged with making false statements to federal agents.
- What was Joseph Weiss’s sentence?
- Joseph Weiss was sentenced to 60 days in prison.
