At BDM, LLC, we’re not just observers—we’re fighters against the corporate corruption and fraud that plague our systems and harm everyday people.
As someone deeply embedded in this fight, I’ve experienced firsthand the devastating impact of Illinois’ entrenched corruption. Illinois, with its vast potential, is held back by elite networks that prioritize self-preservation over progress. The Jeffrey Epstein revelations shine a light on ties to powerful families like the Pritzkers, while Governor JB Pritzker’s policies and scandals exacerbate the issues.
Adding to this, the integration of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum into fraudulent ecosystems enables more hidden abuses. In this expanded post, I’ll share my personal story of fraud and abuse suffered by my male children and me, involving coordinated efforts with DuPage County, former Chairman Dan Cronin, and their shared alma mater, Northwestern University, in cases of medical fraud right here in Illinois.
We’ll also dive deeper into DuPage County’s long history of scandals, drawing from public records and investigations to show how these patterns of corruption hinder growth and justice. Finally, we’ll examine how weak oversight bodies like the ARDC and judicial oversight in Illinois, including corrupt members such as current Judge Linda Davenport with deep DuPage connections, obstruct complaints and enable fraud—including stock options schemes in cases like mine. We call for accountability to build a better state—one that truly protects the vulnerable, including indigenous communities.
THE EPSTEIN-PRITZKER CONNECTION: MORE THAN A FOOTNOTE
Jeffrey Epstein’s influence network infiltrated elite circles, including documented post-conviction ties to the Pritzker family. DOJ emails and Giuffre lawsuit files reveal Epstein’s close relationship with Thomas Pritzker, JB’s cousin and Chicago-based Hyatt executive chairman.
Thomas appears over 7,000 times, with emails showing event invitations and familial descriptions. Exchanges continued until 2019, post-2008 conviction. Giuffre alleged trafficking to Thomas (denied, no charges). Epstein attended Pritzker events post-conviction. Nicholas and Penny Pritzker feature in Epstein’s black book and emails, without direct wrongdoing.
These ties exemplify networks insulating power, amplifying concerns in Illinois—ranked second-most corrupt. JB isn’t directly named, but family prominence demands governance transparency.
CRYPTO’S DARK SIDE: BITCOIN, ETHEREUM, AND THE FRAUD ECOSYSTEM
Epstein’s reach included crypto: $3M Coinbase investment in 2014, Blockstream funding, and island invites to founders like Adam Back.
He influenced Bitcoin via MIT donations. Bitcoin and Ethereum underpin fraud: Chainalysis reports $82B in 2025 crypto laundering, with Chinese networks at $16B. Exchanges like Binance processed billions for crime. Methods: mixing, cross-chain swaps, Tether.
Called a “Ponzi,” it aids ransomware, drugs, exploitation.
Pritzkers backed Ethereum NFTs. JB promotes Illinois as crypto hub with 2025 laws, while critiquing rivals—hosting 58 firms. Crypto’s anonymity shields corruption in tainted systems. X discussions link Pritzker NGOs to USAID fraud and Epstein’s Bitcoin efforts.
A PERSONAL TESTIMONY: FRAUD, ABUSE, AND COORDINATED EFFORTS IN DUPAGE COUNTY
As the founder of BDM, LLC, my fight against corruption isn’t abstract—it’s personal. My male children and I have endured years of fraud and abuse orchestrated through Illinois’ corrupt systems, particularly in DuPage County. This involved coordinated efforts with former DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin and institutions tied to their shared alma mater, Northwestern University, culminating in medical fraud in our cases.
Both Dan Cronin and Governor JB Pritzker share Northwestern University as their alma mater: Cronin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there, while Pritzker received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Northwestern University School of Law in 1993 (the school was later renamed the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law following a major $100 million gift from the Pritzker family in 2015). Pritzker has maintained strong ties to the institution, including delivering the 2023 commencement address and serving on boards. These shared educational roots highlight how elite alumni networks can interconnect power structures across government, business, and academia—potentially facilitating influence and protection in cases like mine.
Cronin, who served as DuPage Chairman from 2010–2022, oversaw a county with a notorious track record of scandals. In our experience, this extended to family court and medical proceedings where evidence was manipulated, records destroyed, and fraudulent inspections conducted without licenses.
Northwestern has its own history of medical fraud: A 2026 $2.3M settlement for falsified NIH research, a 2013 $3M payout for cancer grant fraud involving personal expenses billed as research, and other cases like ignored whistleblower concerns over phony fees. In our cases, medical evaluations tied to Northwestern affiliates were riddled with fabrications, denying us fair treatment and exacerbating abuse. Coordinated with DuPage officials under Cronin, this included withheld evidence, biased rulings, and financial exploitation—mirroring statewide pay-to-play.
These abuses— obstructing the targeting of my children and me, authentic Montgomery DNA—highlight how elite alumni networks (like Northwestern’s) protect insiders, hindering justice.
It is part of Illinois’ broader corruption, eroding trust and growth.
EXPANDING ON DUPAGE COUNTY’S SCANDAL-RIDDEN HISTORY: A PATTERN OF WASTE AND CORRUPTION
DuPage County, once touted as a model of suburban governance, has devolved into a hotbed of scandals that exemplify Illinois’ corruption crisis.
Under leaders like Dan Cronin, the county faced repeated accusations of mismanagement, influence peddling, and outright fraud. Here is a deeper look at key scandals, based on investigations and public records, showing how these issues perpetuate a cycle of waste and hinder progress.
- College of DuPage (COD) Scandals (2010s–Ongoing): As Illinois’ second-largest community college, COD has been plagued by financial improprieties. In 2015–2016, the IRS audited the college, uncovering thousands of dollars in unauthorized expenses, including lavish meals, appetizers, and alcohol billed as “business purposes” with no legitimate justification. Taxpayers footed over $7,000 in back taxes for these excesses. The college was placed on probation by its accrediting agency due to board dysfunction, including trustee boycotts that stalled operations like bill payments. A $763,000 severance package to ousted President Robert Breuder drew widespread criticism for lack of oversight, amid allegations of contract awards to donors. These issues occurred during Cronin’s tenure, raising questions about county oversight.
- DuPage County Clerk Financial Mismanagement (2020s): County officials censured the clerk for alleged financial mismanagement, leading to a countersuit amid disputes over billing practices. Critics pointed to violations of Illinois law in accounting practices, with political appointees handling finances instead of qualified professionals. This saga highlights ongoing waste and litigation, draining resources that could support community growth.
- Red-Light Camera Bribery and Influence Peddling: DuPage has been implicated in statewide red-light camera scandals, with federal probes into bribery schemes involving local officials and contractors. These “pay-to-play” deals funneled public funds to connected insiders, echoing broader Illinois corruption like the Madigan era.
- Glendale Heights Mayor Corruption (2024): The mayor faced accusations in a cricket contract scandal, involving alleged corrupt awarding of public contracts. This recent case underscores how local municipal deals in DuPage often prioritize personal gain over public interest.
- DuPage Forest Preserve Corruption (2016): A former official received a 180-day sentence in a corruption case involving misuse of public resources. This ties into environmental mismanagement, potentially affecting indigenous land protections in a county with historical ties to displaced tribes.
- RICO Convictions and Gang-Related Fraud (2014): DuPage saw its first conviction under Illinois’ RICO law for a drug ring, highlighting organized crime infiltration into county operations. Critics argue such laws are overused, but they reveal deep-rooted criminal networks.
- Board of Review and Political Favoritism (2012): Investigations revealed political donations influencing property tax appeals at the DuPage County Board of Review, with figures like former Chairman Robert Schillerstrom benefiting from contributions. This “appealing place” for insiders exemplifies how corruption skews fair taxation.
- Calls for Investigations into State’s Attorney’s Office: Petitions and public outcry demand probes into the DuPage County’s State’s Attorney’s Office for alleged corruption, including mishandling of cases. This mirrors my experiences of biased proceedings.
These scandals, amplified under Cronin’s watch, have led to lawsuits, waste, and bickering, as noted by local Republicans criticizing the “blue wave” shift. They connect to broader judicial corruption, like echoes of Operation Greylord in nearby Cook County, where systemic bribery tainted courts. In DuPage, this pattern erodes public trust, deters investment, and fails vulnerable families like mine.
WEAK OVERSIGHT IN ILLINOIS: ENABLING FRAUD THROUGH CORRUPT GATEKEEPERS
A core enabler of Illinois’ corruption epidemic is the state’s intentionally weak oversight mechanisms, which provide cover for misconduct rather than accountability. Bodies like the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) for lawyers and the Judicial Inquiry Board (JIB) for judges are criticized as “paper tigers”—lacking teeth to effectively police their own.
The ARDC, tasked with investigating lawyer misconduct, has faced scrutiny for trends in attorney violations, including fraud and embezzlement, yet critics argue its processes are slow and insider-friendly, allowing repeat offenders to evade real consequences. Similarly, judicial oversight through the JIB and Courts Commission has been lambasted for opacity and ineffectiveness, with Illinois ranking high in corruption due to these structural weaknesses.
This dysfunction includes corrupt members who obstruct complaints against lawyers, state’s attorneys, judges, and others. Take current Kane County Judge Linda Davenport, with deep connections to the county’s power structures. Public records and petitions highlight allegations of her involvement in pervasively fraudulent proceedings, including obstructing justice by dismissing or burying complaints related to fraud, record destruction, and unlicensed inspections in family and civil cases.
In my own case, these weak oversights directly enabled stock options fraud, in which manipulated court processes shielded perpetrators from accountability. Illinois has seen numerous investment fraud schemes, including a 2025 Chicago-based “pump and dump” case that resulted in a $214 million forfeiture and a CFTC action against a local firm for multi-million-dollar options fraud. DuPage itself shut down 350 fraudulent investment sites in 2024 via a sting operation. Yet, when complaints arise, figures like Judge Davenport—entrenched in the system—create police squatting opportunities while obstructing redress, allowing fraud to flourish, and victims like me to suffer without recourse.
These oversight failures aren’t accidents; they’re designed to protect the powerful, perpetuating a cycle that hinders ethical governance and economic growth.
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) of Illinois, established under the authority of the Illinois Supreme Court, is responsible for investigating complaints of attorney misconduct, prosecuting disciplinary cases when warranted, and recommending sanctions (ranging from reprimand to disbarment). While the ARDC maintains that its processes are designed to protect the public, the integrity of the legal profession, and the rights of attorneys, it has faced persistent criticisms from complainants, legal observers, and some in the legal community.Key Criticisms of the ARDC
- High Dismissal Rates and Low Prosecution Threshold
A significant portion of grievances are dismissed early in the process. For example, in recent years, the ARDC has received thousands of requests for investigation annually (e.g., over 4,500–4,700 in 2023–2024), but only a small fraction (typically around 40–50) result in formal disciplinary complaints filed with the Hearing Board. Many grievances are closed after initial review or after the attorney provides a response, often without proceeding to a full investigation or hearing. Critics argue this creates a perception that the ARDC is overly protective of lawyers, with most complaints dismissed unless there is clear, strong evidence of serious misconduct (such as theft of client funds or criminal convictions). Complainants frequently describe the system as frustrating, where even well-documented issues are screened out early. - Perceived Bias or Protectionism Toward the Legal Profession
Some critics, particularly from public forums and complainant perspectives, view the ARDC as biased in favor of attorneys. Complaints often come from dissatisfied clients (who initiate the majority of investigations), and detractors argue the system prioritizes defending the profession over robust public protection. This includes allegations that the ARDC is slow to act on patterns of misconduct or that investigations are conducted confidentially in a way that shields lawyers. While the ARDC emphasizes that grievances are investigated confidentially to protect both parties, this confidentiality has been cited as contributing to a lack of transparency and accountability. - Slowness and Ineffectiveness in Processing Complaints
The disciplinary process can be lengthy, involving initial screening, potential requests for responses from the attorney, investigation, and—if warranted—formal hearings before the Hearing Board, Review Board, and ultimately the Illinois Supreme Court. Critics point to delays in resolving cases, which can leave complainants without timely recourse. In cases involving complex issues (e.g., alleged fraud or ethical lapses in litigation), the process may feel ineffective or unresponsive. - Limited Remedies and Scope
The ARDC’s role is strictly limited to attorney fitness to practice law—it cannot award monetary damages, resolve fee disputes (which must go through courts), or impose criminal penalties. This narrow focus frustrates complainants seeking restitution or broader justice. While the ARDC’s Client Protection Program can reimburse certain losses from disciplined attorneys (funded by lawyer registration fees), it is not available in all cases and requires a prior disciplinary finding. - Calls for Reform
There have been occasional discussions in legal circles about improving the system, such as enhancing transparency, speeding up processes, or addressing perceived imbalances. However, major structural reforms have been limited, and the ARDC continues to operate under Supreme Court rules with a focus on balancing professional rights and public protection. Annual reports highlight efforts to improve education, technology use, and proactive support for lawyers (e.g., guidance on AI ethics), but these do not directly address many complainant criticisms.
Supporting Data from Recent Years
- In 2024: ~4,706 investigation requests (involving ~3,352 lawyers), but only 46 formal complaints filed before the Hearing Board and 33 direct Supreme Court proceedings.
- Sanctions in recent years have been relatively low in number compared to grievances filed, with outcomes including disbarments, suspensions, censures, and reprimands.
- Most grievances are resolved without formal charges, often after the attorney’s response or initial review.
These criticisms are commonly voiced by complainants in public discussions (including online forums) and reflect broader frustrations with self-regulating professions. The ARDC and Illinois Supreme Court maintain that the system is fair, evidence-based, and necessary to prevent unfounded or retaliatory claims against attorneys. For the most current details, refer to the ARDC’s official annual reports or website (iardc.org), which provide statistics and process explanations. If you’re dealing with a specific complaint or seeking to file one, contacting the ARDC directly or consulting an ethics specialist is recommended.
JB PRITZKER’S CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS: A PATTERN OF INSIDER DEALS?
A) JB faces claims like the 2018 “fraud” tax scheme on his mansion, dodging $330K.
B) Ties to convicted Madigan include donations.
C) Audits urged for SNAP/Medicaid fraud.
Ethics pushes exist, but corruption lingers. Personal stories like mine show how this framework harms families.
HOW CORRUPTION AND CRYPTO HINDERS ILLINOIS’ GROWTH AND INDIGENOUS PROTECTIONS
llinois touts $13B investments, jobs. But lags: worst jobs/GDP/wages. Taxes up, deficits. Indigenous protections (2023 bills) are steps, but corruption/crypto risks undermine them via opaque deals.
Then there are the ties to Epstein, Bitcoin, and financial market manipulations. Pritzker has added to Illinois’ fraudulent achievements; he will undoubtedly celebrate overseas, spending Bitcoin or Ethereum. All paid for by the citizens of the State of Illinois citizens
A CALL TO ACTION
From Epstein to DuPage scandals and personal abuses, corruption blocks progress. Demand audits, ethics. At BDM, LLC, we’ll expose.
Share your stories.
BDM, LLC: Fighting Corporate Corruption, One Exposure at a Time.