Former McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski died Sunday after a short illness just days after he was originally scheduled to report to federal prison.
Tobolski, 61, was sentenced to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty to an extortion scheme and began working with federal investigators. He was supposed to begin serving his sentence Nov. 3, but that was delayed to January 15 because Tobolski had been hospitalized twice in October and was in poor health.
Tobolski worked with federal prosecutors after his arrest, which saved him from years in prison. His guilty plea would have made him eligible for a prison term of 11-14 years, per federal sentencing guidelines.
Federal prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of more than five years.
No cause of death was announced but Tobolski had been diagnosed with heart and lung problems. Doctors had identified a heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation and found a “suspicious spot on his pancreas.”
Tobolski, who also served as a Cook County Commissioner, became mayor in 2007 after his father died. He was elected to the county board in 2010.
In 2019, he was caught up in a federal investigation into corruption among public officials in the southwest suburbs. FBI agents raided his home and village hall office.
In 2020, he admitted receiving more than $250,000 in bribes and through extortion. He resigned from both posts and began cooperating with federal investigators. His cooperation helped build the case against his former chief of staff Patrick Doherty and former McCook Police Chief Mario DePasquale.
He admitted to shaking down a restaurant owner in his role as McCook liquor commissioner. Tobolski also admitted to tax fraud.
A federal judge called him a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
During his sentencing hearing in August, Tobolski said what he had done was wrong. He apologized to his victims and his wife and daughter.
After Tobolski’s resignation from the County Board, local Democrats chose Frank Aguilar to replace him. Village trustees chose Terry Carr to replace him as McCook mayor.
Survivors include his wife, Cathleen, and daughter, Emily.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends to meet directly at St. Cletus Parish, 600 W. 55th St., LaGrange for a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, November 17. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice.