Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 1 of 37 PageID #: 40 IFOLECI IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI EASTERN DIVISION ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. JOHNRALLO, Defendant. No .. MAY= 9 2019 11:A U.S. DISTRICT cm1R &liSTERN DISTRtcr"aF· ~ ST. LOUIS N,O 4:19CR00367 ERW/JMB INDICTMENT THE GRAND JURY CHARGES: COUNTS ONE - THREE HONEST SERVICES BRIBERY/MAIL FRAUD Introduction and Background At all times material to this Indictment: 1. The citizens of St. Louis County had an intangible right to the honest services of their public officials. 2. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership's (hereinafter "SLEDP") stated purpose was to function as the economic development agency serving St. Louis County and City. 3. The St. Louis County Port Authority' 1? (hereinafter "Port Authority") stated purpose was to promote general welfare, encourage private capital investment, increase the volume of commerce and promote the establishment of a foreign trade zone within the County port district. 4. Steven V. Stenger (hereinafter "Stenger") was the elected County Executive for St. Louis County. Stenger's office vested him with actual and perceived authority and influence over, among other things, the hiring of St. Louis County employees, as well as the hiring of SLEDP and Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 2 of 37 PageID #: 41 Port Authority employees. Stenger appointed the majority of the Board of Directors for SLEDP, and all of the Board of Directors for the Port Authority. 5. Stenger's office also vested him with actual and perceived authority and influence over the awarding of certain contracts and grants by St. Louis County, SLEDP, and the Port Authority. 6. Stenger' s office also vested him with actual and perceived authority over certain other public officials, including but not limited to SLEDP Chief Executive Officer, Sheila Sweeney, St. Louis County Chief of Staff, William Miller, St. Louis County Chief of Policy, Jeff Wagener, St. Louis County Director of Administration, Pamela Reitz, St. Louis County Director of Operations, Mike Chapman, St. Louis County Senior Policy Advisor Thomas Curran, Special Assistant to the County Executive Thomas Malecek, and St. Louis County Director of Legislative Affairs, Shannon Weber. 7. Stenger served as the St. Louis County Council Member from the 6th District from 2009 through 2014. Stenger took office as County Executive in January 2015 and was re-elected in November, 2018. As such, Stenger owed the citizens of St. Louis County his honest services. 8. State of Missouri Revised Statute 576.020 (Public Servant Acceding to Corruption) makes it a felony crime for a public servant, such as Stenger, to knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit, direct or indirect, in return for his official recommendation, decision, action or exercise of discretion as a public servant. 9. State of Missouri Revised Statute 576.010 (Bribery of a Public Servant) makes it a felony crime for a person to knowingly offer, confer or agree to confer upon any public servant, 2 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 3 of 37 PageID #: 42 such as Stenger, any benefit, direct or indirect, in return for the public servant's official recommendation, decision, action or exercise of discretion as a public servant. 10. Stenger used entities controlled by himself and his campaign operatives for campaign fundraising, including Citizens for Steve Stenger, the Missouri Association of Career Fire Protection Districts (hereinafter referred to as "MACFPD"), and the Regional Leadership PAC. 11. Sheila Sweeney was the Chief Executive Officer ofSLEDP, having been appointed to that position by Stenger during in or about August, 2015. Sweeney also was the Executive Director of the Port Authority, and she served on the Board of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority for St. Louis County (hereinafter "LCRA"). Sweeney's office vested her with actual authority and influence over, among other things, the hiring of SLEDP employees, as well as the hiring of Port Authority and LCRA employees. Sweeney's office also vested her with actual and perceived authority and influence over the awarding of certain contracts and grants by SLEDP, the Port Authority, and LCRA. Sweeney's office also vested her with actual and perceived authority over certain other officials, including but not limited to SLEDP Vice President and Director of Real Estate, Joseph Bannister, and SLEDP General Counsel, Dustin Allison. In her positions, and because SLEDP, the Port Authority, and LCRA were funded in part by St. Louis County funds, Sweeney owed the citizens of St. Louis County her honest services. 12. The defendant JOHN RALLO (hereinafter "RALLO") had a background in the insurance business, and for a period of time owned and operated several St. Louis area bars and nightclubs. During 2006, RALLO started Cardinal Creative Insurance Group (hereinafter 3 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 4 of 37 PageID #: 43 "Cardinal Insurance"), an insurance brokerage company located in Clayton, Missouri. RALLO had no background in marketing or consulting. 13. On or about October 23, 2014, RALLO was introduced to Stenger by one of RALLO's closest friends, ("SW") when the three had dinner at Sam's Steakhouse in South St. Louis County. At that time, Stenger was campaigning for St. Louis County Executive, and SW introduced RALLO to Stenger in the hope that Stenger, if elected County Executive, could help RALLO get insurance contracts with St. Louis County. SW was a donor to Stenger, and also recruited other individuals to donate to Stenger's campaign. During the dinner, Stenger accepted a campaign donation of $5,000 from RALLO, and RALLO understood that Stenger would help RALLO get insurance contracts with St. Louis County if Stenger was elected County Executive. During that dinner, RALLO told Stenger that he was tired of giving money to politicians and not getting anything in return. Stenger made statements to assure RALLO that, if elected County Executive, he would work to help RALLO get St. Louis County contracts. In addition to the $5,000, RALLO also paid for Stenger's dinner that evening. 14. RALLO continued to make political donations to Stenger throughout 2015, 2016, 2017, and into April, 2018, all with the understanding from Stenger that in exchange he would help RALLO and Cardinal Insurance get insurance contracts with St. Louis County and, ultimately, help RALLO get a consulting contract from the St. Louis County Port Authority. Stenger also helped RALLO and a group known as Wellston Holdings, LLC obtain land in Wellston, Missouri for development purposes. RALLO also held several fundraisers for Stenger where RALLO invited friends and associates who also made political donations to Stenger. During 2015, Stenger requested that RALLO become a member of Stenger's "Trustee" program, a group 4 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 5 of 37 PageID #: 44 of individuals who agreed to donate $2,500 to Stenger each quarter, for a total of$10,000 per year. RALLO agreed to become a Trustee, and also recruited one other member of Wellston Holdings, LLC to become a Trustee. Together, RALLO and the other member of Wellston Holdings, LLC personally donated approximately $50,000 to Stenger, and obtained additional political donations for Stenger through several fundraisers. 15. During November, 2014, following Stenger's election as St. Louis County Executive, Stenger visited RALLO at Cardinal Insurance's Clayton office and requested that RALLO recruit other individuals as political donors to Stenger. RALLO agreed and requested Stenger' s help in getting Cardinal Insurance the St. Louis County contract for employee voluntary benefits insurance. Stenger agreed to help RALLO and Cardinal Insurance get that contract which, at the time, was held by another insurance company. RALLO stood to earn approximately $50,000 annually in commissions on such an insurance contract with St. Louis County. RALLO and Stenger met several additional times, at the Clayton Ritz Carlton, at the 801 Chophouse, and at Cantina Laredo, and continued to discuss RALLO's desire to obtain the St. Louis County voluntary benefits insurance contract. It was following the meeting at 801 Chophouse that Stenger directed the St. Louis County Director of Administration to meet with RALLO regarding the County's voluntary benefits insurance contract, and communicated his desire that RALLO's company receive the contract. Stenger made statements about the Director of Administration which led RALLO to believe that Stenger had directed the Director of Administration to help RALLO get the insurance contract. At Stenger' s direction, RALLO met with the Director of Administration, and two other St. Louis County employees, the Director of Personnel, and the Human Resources 5 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 6 of 37 PageID #: 45 Manager, and discussed Cardinal Insurance obtaining the County's voluntary benefits insurance contract. RALLO kept Stenger apprised of his ongoing meetings and discussions. March 13, 2015: RALLO: Steve, just finished a mtg w/ [Director of Personnel] and [Human Resources Manager] ... went very well, now that I have a much better idea of where the County's [insurance] program is I can definitely address how we can help. Are u avail to grab a drink Tues 3/24 after the council mtg Gust you and I) or possibly breakfast the morning of 3/25 or 3/26 at the Ritz around 7:30 am. Let me know. (Was also able to raise a few extra dollars for you) Stenger: Yes. Let me just pick the best date On March 31, 2015, RALLO made his first "Trustee" political donation to Stenger of $2,500. April 1, 2015: RALLO: Steve, I spoke w/ [Director of Personnel] as a follow up to the mtg we had w/ he and [Human Resources Manager] & he said that we're on hold until they present it to the employee benefits advisory committee for approval later this Spring .... not necessarily the direction we'd like to go. Any thoughts?? Stenger: I think I may have a solution. Hang tight RALLO: Roger that .. .I'm in NY for the rest of the week. Just wanted to bring it to your attention prior to any mtg. Sometimes easier to deal with. Thanks Steve Over the next week, RALLO continued to reach out to Stenger about the insurance contract, and Stenger continued to assure RALLO that he was working to get Cardinal Insurance the contract: April 9, 2015: Stenger: John, I'm working on the [insurance contract] RALLO: Thanks. Let me know 6 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 7 of 37 PageID #: 46 16. During this same time period, Stenger and RALLO discussed the possibility of RALLO getting a consulting contract. RALLO was good friends with the television personality Montel Williams, and RALLO and Stenger discussed teaming with Williams on a consulting contract to purportedly provide marketing to address the negative publicity leftover from the Ferguson unrest following the shooting death of Michael Brown. RALLO had no experience in marketing or consulting, but he continued to make political donations to Stenger, and hold fundraisers for Stenger based upon Stenger's representations that he would work to get RALLO one or more of these contracts. It was during this period of time that Stenger suggested getting RALLO the consulting contract through SLEDP, and the Port Authority. Based upon his discussions with Stenger, on March 13, 2015, RALLO formed Cardinal Creative Consulting, LLC (hereinafter "Cardinal Consulting") for the specific purpose of obtaining the promised consulting contract. In order to avoid public disclosure, Stenger also directed RALLO to communicate with him through Stenger' s former law firm email address, as opposed to his official St. Louis County government email address. April 15, 2015: RALLO: I have a doc that I need to send you that will provide an overview with bullet points as to why this [Cardinal's insurance plan] unequivocally makes sense for the County. Good to use as a reference for our conversation. What address should I send it to?? Stenger: Sstenger@lawsaintlouis.com. Plus I will see u tomorrow night [at a fundraiser]. April 23, 2015: RALLO: I spoke w/ Pam Reitz yesterday as a follow up, will forward you a copy of the email I sent to keep you in the loop. She still did say that we're waiting for the benefits committee to meet & then she will discuss with [Director of Personnel] & [Human 7 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 8 of 37 PageID #: 47 Resources Manager]. Maybe that's the protocol, but I just want to make sure everyone is on board. By the way, great event last Thursday [the fundraiser], glad to be a part of it. John April 29, 2015: RALLO: Wanted to follow on the consulting RFP w/ Montel. .... any update re: Econ Development. Also, I reached out to Pam Reitz last week, but have not heard back .... thoughts?? April 30, 2015: RALLO: Steve, don't have a good feeling that things are on track with the insurance. Any thoughts?? Also, where do we stand on the consulting, should I be calling someone. Stenger: I will be calling you later today. 17. During May, 2015, RALLO and Stenger continued discussions concerning both the potential insurance contract and the potential consulting contract, and Stenger continued to assure RALLO that he was working on both. May 6, 2015: Stenger: I'm working on ur issue right now meeting with my top 3 [Chapman, Wagener, and Weber] RALLO: Let me know if you need anything from me for clarification. Someone's making this a lot more difficult than it should be. Stenger then directed two of his top executive staff members, Mike Chapman, the Chief of Operations, and Jeff Wagener, the Chief of Policy, to contact RALLO and help RALLO obtain the insurance contract. May 6, 2015: RALLO: Just spoke with Mike Chapman, great call .... Thanks for the follow up. I know you're being pulled in many directions and am appreciative of your time. JR 8 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 9 of 37 PageID #: 48 May 8, 2015: RALLO: Did Mike Chapman brief you on our conversation? Anything needed on my end?? May 9, 2015: RALLO: It's good to have friends;-) On May 20, 2015, RALLO held another fundraiser for Stenger, and also contributed an additional $2,500 of his own funds to Stenger. May 21, 2015: RALLO: I think last night went well, hope you were pleased. Stenger: John thank you. It went really well. I appreciate it!! Thank you. RALLO: Glad to do it .. .let's keep the train moving. During June, 2015, Stenger continued to assure RALLO that he was working on getting Cardinal Insurance the insurance contract. June 2, 2015: RALLO: Update?? Stenger: Pam Reitz is out of town till Friday RALLO: Is it going to be a problem with her? What do we need to do to make this happen? Stenger: I'm doing it now RALLO: Thanks. Let me know .... RALLO and Stenger's discussions about the insurance contract continued into July, 2015, with Stenger continuing to assure RALLO that Stenger was working on getting him the contract. Based 9 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 10 of 37 PageID #: 49 upon Stenger's representations, RALLO continued to make political donations to Stenger, including delivering a check directly to Stenger' s office. July 16, 2015: RALLO: Any update?? Stenger: I'm working it this PM RALLO: 10-4. Thx RALLO: Spoke w/ SW, I will personally drop something off to you tomorrow July 17, 2015: RALLO: Heading to your office now to drop off a personal envelope. Who should I leave it with? Stenger: Front desk is fine just mark it confidential RALLO: It is. 18. Ultimately, the St. Louis County Administration determined to pull the Request for Proposals for the employee voluntary benefits insurance contract, and stay with the incumbent insurance company for another year. RALLO and Stenger discussed the idea of RALLO getting the insurance contract during 2016, when the contract came up for renewal again. With the insurance contract temporarily off the table, RALLO and Stenger turned their attention to working to get RALLO the consulting contract through SLEDP. While having drinks in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Clayton, Missouri, RALLO told Stenger that obtaining a consulting contract would make up for the "insurance mishap." Stenger responded positively. Stenger told RALLO that the Port Authority had money that could be used for the consulting contract. As he promised, Stenger worked to get RALLO the consulting contract through the Port Authority. 10 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 11 of 37 PageID #: 50 August 4, 2015: RALLO: Steve, who should I be reaching out to re: the consulting? Would like to start that process. Also, I know the insurance RFP was stopped, but the goal was to write the business ... Any suggestions?? During September, 2015, Stenger directed Jeff Wagener, the St. Louis County Chief of Policy to work with RALLO in getting Cardinal Consulting the consulting contract through SLEDP. September 17, 2015: Stenger: Jeff and John: this is a group text with John Rallo and Jeff Wagener. I need to put u guys together for a meeting to discuss Montel acting as a spokesperson and doing pr rehab for county thru Econ council as Jeff and I discussed earlier today. Please set asap. JeffWagener: Ok RALLO: Jeff, I'll teach out to you tomorrow to set something up. Thanks Steve Stenger also discussed the proposed consulting contract with Sheila Sweeney, the Chief Executive Officer of SLEDP; Stenger made it clear to her that RALLO was a "donor,'' and directed Sweeney to make sure RALLO and Cardinal Consulting got a consulting contract. Sweeney had been appointed to her SLEDP position at Stenger's recommendation, and Stenger told RALLO that Sheila Sweeney would do what Stenger told her to do. RALLO met with Sweeney in her office during October, 2015 to discuss the consulting contract. SW also attended this meeting, as SW had known Sweeney for many years. RALLO and SW had agreed between themselves that RALLO would share some of the proceeds from the consulting contract with SW as payback for SW originally introducing RALLO to Stenger. The meeting lasted only 10 to 15 minutes and did not involve a substantive discussion of the purported consulting contract. Sweeney asked RALLO what amount he wanted on the consulting contract, and RALLO requested $350,000. Sweeney 11 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 12 of 37 PageID #: 51 told RALLO that she did not think she could get him that large a contract, but she would discuss it with Stenger. RALLO, who had made a $2,500 political donation to Stenger on October 19, 2015, then discussed the matter with Stenger. October 28, 2015: RALLO: Spoke w/ Sheila re: Montel. ... sounds like things are not going to move forward. Diametrically different from our conversation in your office. Let me know when you have a min to talk. Stenger: The 350k won't work for their budget but some other amount would. RALLO: I understand. What is the number? Would like to discuss with you. You know what we're trying to accomplish ... need a 5 min call, I'm avail the rest of today In further discussions with Stenger and Sweeney, RALLO learned that Sweeney was going to issue the consulting contract through the Port Authority, and that the amount of the contract would need to be $100,000 in order for Sweeney to "push" the contract through the Port Authority Board. RALLO was led to believe that the initial consulting contract would be for a 6 month term at $100,000, and then renewed for an additional 6 months for an additional $100,000, for a total contract value of $200,000. Discussions between Sweeney, Stenger, and RALLO concerning the consulting contract continued throughout fall, 2015 and into 2016. January 13, 2016: Stenger: Have you made contact with Sheila at the partnership since we spoke? RALLO: I have not, I was going to send you a one page bullet pt outline as we discussed. Should I reach out to her again directly? 12 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 13 of 37 PageID #: 52 Stenger: Shoot me the one pager when u can. I am meeting with Jeff Wagener now talking about things we need to take care of soon and this was on my agenda RALLO: Will do .... what email address should I send it to Stenger: Can u send me over a hard copy RALLO: Yes, will drop it off later today or first thing in the am Stenger: Perfect. I would like to get that moving:) January 14, 2016: RALLO: Did proposal look ok?? January 19, 2016: RALLO: Any feedback on proposal? Next steps?? January 22, 2016: RALLO: Steve, let me know where we're at with.the proposal .... Stenger: I will advise. I had an initial convo with peep and am having another next week RALLO: I assume peep is Pam Reitz? Stenger: Sheila RALLO: Right. .. that's who I meant .... 19. Beginning during February, 2016, RALLO and Stenger began discussing the St. Louis County employee voluntary benefits insurance contract again, with the idea that Cardinal lm;urance would be awarded the contract later in the year when the current contract expired. The two also continued to discuss the consulting contract. Stenger directed Mike Chapman, the St. Louis County Director of Operations and Jeff Wagener, his Chief of Policy to again assist RALLO in obtaining the insurance contract. 13 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 14 of 37 PageID #: 53 February 5, 2016: RALLO: Any word?? [regarding the consulting contract] Also, should I reach out to Mike Chapman directly re: the insurance? Stenger: Yes definitely reach out to Mike Chapman and stay on him .... In other [consulting contract] I am working on it. Should be soon February 15, 2016: RALLO: Spoke w/ Jeff Wagener re: insurance ... we have a plan of action. Any update on the Montel piece? February 17, 2016: Stenger: John thank you for the kind giant gift wow!!!! (referring to a family gift) I will be sending a formal thank you. Wow February 27, 2016: RALLO: Steve, what's the latest on the consulting?? Would like to get some direction. John March 3, 2016: RALLO: Still going to try & do something with Montel?? Stenger: Yes I am ... .I am working on it now March 15, 2016: Stenger: I will have some news on ur project RALLO: Sounds great. See you Friday morning March 18, 2016: RALLO: Great mtg w/ Sheila [Sweeney]. All is well! Thanks Stenger: Great 14 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 15 of 37 PageID #: 54 Throughout this time period, Stenger continued to solicit political donations from RALLO while at the same time promising and working to get RALLO contracts with St. Louis County. March 28, 2016: Stenger: John can we receive your trustee check before the end of the quarter so I can count it? :) RALLO: Absolutely Stenger: John if you would like ou[r] courier will pick it up this week? Citizens for Steve Stenger RALLO: I'll be back in town Thursday, will have it ready for pick up then. Stenger: Thank you perfect. :) March 31, 2016: Stenger: John is there a way we would be able to get your 2500 for the quarter dated 3.31 in the next few days so we could count it for this quarter. We are trying to hit 300k for the quarter and it would be helpful RALLO: Will be at my office by noon. Will have a check ready by 1:00 for pick up or I could mail it. Let me know Stenger: Perfect thank you we r in building next door RALLO: Do you want me to bring it to you? Stenger: No but thank you Dave or Anna will get it. That's what they do :) [Dave Tilly and Anna Noll were fundraisers for Stenger] RALLO: Check is ready! Need 5 min call to go over a concern I have on the insurance RFP ... are u avail later today? Stenger: John what is your suite no RALLO: 850 ....time for a quick call? Stenger: Sure 15 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 16 of 37 PageID #: 55 RALLO: Spoke with Jeff Wagener & Pam Reitz ... think we're on the right path [regarding insurance contract]. Thanks Stenger: If it looks off in any way let me know early RALLO: Will do. Be sure and have someone send me info on [upcoming Stenger fundraiser] at the Blues game. I'm out of town on 4/12 & 4/13, but other than that count me in for at least 1 Stenger: Will do we have it down John RALLO did, in fact, make another political donation of$2,500 to Stenger on March 31, 2016 based upon Stenger' s promises and representations that he was working to get RALLO St. Louis County contracts. 20. During April, 2016, Mike Chapman, the Director of Operations for St. Louis County resigned over disagreements with Stenger. This raised concerns with RALLO, who had been dealing with him at Stenger' s direction concerning the promised insurance contract. RALLO: Does the absence of Mike Chapman have any affect on the insurance? Stenger: Only in the positive RALLO: Rock star!! Also, let me know about next Mon eve if you are able to meet Mantel, Sheila and me for a drink Stenger: He [Mike Chapman] was a major pain in the ass ... .I am working on Monday still It was at or about this time that RALLO recruited another member of Wellston Holdings, LLC to become a "Trustee," political donor to Stenger. April 21, 2016: RALLO: I might want to take another Trustee spot. .. fill you in tomorrow 16 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 17 of 37 PageID #: 56 Stenger: Ok. I like that RALLO: I figured you wouldn't mind;-) RALLO and his business partner in Wellston Holdings, LLC met with Stenger on May 4, 2016, at which time the business partner gave Stenger a $10,000 political donation and agreed to become a regular political donor in Stenger' s Trustee program. During this meeting; in addition to discussing the potential insurance contract, and the potential consulting contract, the three men discussed possible land sites in St. Louis County that Stenger could help Wellston Holdings, LLC purchase and develop. RALLO recruited his business partner to make the political donation to \ Stenger, and to become a Trustee donor, based upon Stenger's representations that he would help Wellston Holdings, LLC obtain property owned by St. Louis County. May 4, 2016: Stenger: Thank you John and please pass my thanks to [Rallo' s business partner]. I'm glad u guys came by. RALLO: Will do. Glad to help. Could you let Sheila [Sweeney] know we spoke .... Stenger: Done it 21. During April, 2016, at Stenger' s direction, and based upon the discussions with RALLO, Sheila Sweeney caused the Port Authority to issue a Request for Proposals for Media Consultant ["RFP"]. Responses to the RFP were due April 25, 2016. In addition to being the Chief Executive Officer of SLEDP, Sweeney was also the Executive Director of the Port Authority, an affiliated organization of SLEDP. Sweeney was directed by Stenger to award the Media Consultant contract to RALLO's company, Cardinal Consulting. Sweeney had several discussions with RALLO concerning the proper wording of the Port Authority's RFP, and 17 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 18 of 37 PageID #: 57 Sweeney also reviewed and recommended revisions to Cardinal Consulting' s responsive bid to the RFP. April 18, 2016: RALLO: All is well. Just was following up to see ifthere was any action required on my end for the RFP and confirm our mtg for next Mon the 25th w/ Montel Sweeney: No real action but let's chat tomorrow to be sure we have everything covered. Thanks RALLO: Sounds great. What time is a good time for you? Sweeney: About 4:00 RALLO: Perfect. Call you on your cell Sweeney: That's fine. April 21, 2016: RALLO: Hi Sheila, I just emailed you a copy of the draft proposal [Cardinal's responsive bid to the RFP]. Let me know if you think we should add anything. Thanks. Sweeney: I'm good with it. RALLO: I'll send a formal hard copy tomorrow April 22, 2016: RALLO: I just noticed a change that I need to make in the wording of the Proposed Fees sec. Will clarify and submit tomorrow. Thanks Sheila April 25, 2016: RALLO: Hi Sheila, just wanted to confirm that you received our RFP [Cardinal's responsive bid to the RFP]. Look forward to seeing you around 2-2:15 Sweeney: Yes. Have the amended one. See you then. 18 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 19 of 37 PageID #: 58 As RALLO had been directed by Stenger and Sweeney, Cardinal Consulting's responsive bid called for a six (6) month renewable term at $100,000 per each six (6) month term. Cardinal Consulting's entire responsive bid consisted of a 1 Yi page letter. The Port Authority received other responsive bids to the ~p in addition to Cardinal Consulting' s bid. One or more of the other responsive bids were from individuals and companies with actual marketing experience, and the other responsive bids were lower in cost than Cardinal Consulting's bid. Nonetheless, as Stenger had directed her, Sweeney recommended and urged the Port Authority Board to approve Cardinal Consulting's bid as the winning bid, and the Board followed Sweeney's recommendation and approved Cardinal Consulting' s consulting contract. May 10, 2016: Sweeney: Port passes your contract. Good to go. RALLO: Great news!! What's the next step? Are you avail for a call sometime tomorrow? Sweeney: Yes 22. Following the Port Authority's vote to award the consulting contract to Cardinal Consulting, it took several months for the Port Authority to provide the actual Agreement, or Memorandum ofUnderstanding["MOU"] between the Port Authority and Cardinal Consulting to RALLO. June 7, 2016: RALLO: Anything I need to be doing re: MOU w/ Montel? Stenger: I think we r good. Let me c what's up RALLO: Thanks 19 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 20 of 37 PageID #: 59 Stenger: No problem. I don't think there is a problem at all. Maybe just normal time frame stuff. RALLO: I didn't think so, but hadn't hear:d back from Sheila .... Stenger: You got it. I'm with Jeff Wagener this morning. I'll talk to him and get u some time frame and answers RALLO: Jeff Wagener has been very helpful w/ the Insurance RFP process. During this same time period, before RALLO had received the actual consulting contract, Sweeney telephoned him and requested to meet with him in his office, she didn't want to discuss what she needed to tell him over the telephone. When Sweeney arrived at RALLO's office, she explained to him that she had modified the total payments under the Cardinal Consulting contract to $130,000, not the bid upon and requested $100,000. Sweeney had added the additional $30,000 to the consulting contract because Stenger had directed her to give a job or a contract to fill individual, JC. JC was a close associate of a public official who had helped Stenger get out the vote in the November, 2014 County Executive election, and Stenger's direction to hire JC or give JC a contract was payback for that. Sweeney determined that paying JC through the RALLO contract would meet Stenger's directive. Sweeney advised RALLO that he should pay JC the $30,000 over the term of the contract. RALLO had no prior knowledge of JC, and understood from Sweeney that JC would not do any actual work under the consulting contract, but needed to be paid the $30,000. JC was anxious to get payback for his and the public official's efforts on behalf of Stenger during the 2014 election, and Stenger continued to put pressure on Sweeney to do something for JC. 20 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 21 of 37 PageID #: 60 April 9, 2016: JC: [Text to Shannon Weber]- I am in DC for a conference and spent the last two nights with [public official] and DP. Both of them asked me a couple of times what happened to our conversations from December. I said nothing ever happened. It's almost four months since I met you and Jeff Wagener. I don't know what ever happened but it's totally rude and disrespectful. When Stenger asked [public official] for help, all of us were there for him, so you know. Shannon Weber: [forwarded JC's text message to Stenger and Jeff Wagener] That sweet message was from JC. Jeff Wagener: Let's talk on Monday. Shannon Weber: I have a plan. :) Stenger: Items to talk about Monday 4.11 .... JC. May 19, 2016: Stenger: Attorney SS is asking about [JC]. I asked him to do a group text can we get back to him with status Jeff Wagener: OK. Sheila is working something up with the Port Authority. I'll get an update from her. Stenger: OK. Please reply on that group text and I will say something encouraging. Jeff Wagener: (group text to Stenger and attorney SS) I am working with Sheila and we are putting together a contract through the port authority. We should have something in the next week. Stenger: (group text to Jeff Wagener and attorney SS) Great that sounds great. Stenger: (text to Jeff Wagener) We need to own the partnership as our own. Today sucked c---. 23. On or about July 14, 2016, RALLO received the Consulting Agreement which did, in fact, call for total payments of $130,000. Sweeney did not "report" to the Port Authority Board 21 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 22 of 37 PageID #: 61 that she had increased RALLO's consulting contract until December, 2016, when the Port Authority's General Counsel noticed the additional $30,000 had not been disclosed and advised her that it needed to be put in the "report" to the Board. At no time did the Board formally approve the increased contract price. RALLO and Cardinal Consulting did no actual work under the Consulting Agreement. RALLO was required to submit monthly reports to the General Counsel of SLEDP detailing the work purportedly done by Cardinal Consulting, and RALLO simply made up false information to include in each of those monthly reports. During August, 2016, JC contacted Sweeney and asked about his promised payments. Sweeney contacted RALLO, and requested RALLO contact JC and begin paying him. August 3, 2016: Sweeney: Hey John. I'm on vacation but just got a text from JC asking the status of his work. He's the guy I asked about helping out. Please touch base with him. He's close to [Public Official]. RALLO: I don't have any of his contact info. Does Jeff Wagener have it? Sweeney: I do. Hang on. [Sweeney then forwarded JC's contact information to Rallo] RALLO: Thanks. Sweeney: We need to chat as soon as I get back so you know how JC fits in. In the meantime if you can get him calmed down that he is "part of team" that's perfect. I'll be in office the 15th. Or if you prefer to talk prior that will work as well. RALLO contacted JC and, on or about August 5, 2016, JC came to RALLO's office to pick up his first check. RALLO had JC complete an IRS tax form in order to make the relationship appear legitimate, and gave him the first $5,000 check, made out to JC's company. RALLO and JC did not discuss the Consulting Agreement, or any work JC might do under the contract. Following 22 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 23 of 37 PageID #: 62 that date, RALLO mailed four (4) more $5,000 checks to JC, and JC never did any actual work under the Consulting Agreement. The only communications between RALLO and JC were some text messages from JC when he wanted to get paid. RALLO ultimately only paid JC $25,000, not the $30,000 Sweeney had told RALLO to pay JC. October 11, 2016: RALLO: On a call, will get back to you JC: Ok RALLO mailed JC a $5,000 check which cleared RALLO's business account on October 17, 2016. November 7, 2016: JC: Please call me. Thanks RALLO: Check will go out in the next day or so RALLO mailed JC a $5,000 check which cleared RALLO's business account on November 15, 2016. December 12, 2016: JC: Please let me know when check is going to be in the mail? Thanks RALLO: Still have not been paid yet, should hopefully be this week. Also, just FYI, December 1st is our last payment per our contract with the port authority JC: Ok. Thanks. RALLO mailed JC a $5,000 check which cleared RALLO's business account on December 19, 2016. 24. RALLO submitted false monthly reports to the General Counsel for SLEDP because RALLO was hoping that Cardinal Consulting's contract would be renewed for an 23 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 24 of 37 PageID #: 63 additional six (6) months. RALLO's last report, covering November, 2016, was so obviously fake that the SLEDP General Counsel talked with Sweeney and she requested RALLO submit a different report. December 22, 2016: Sweeney: Can you send a different contract report for the last period? The last two read exactly the same and that's not good! RALLO: Will do December 23, 2016: RALLO: Did u receive the report? Sweeney: Yes. I didn't get to read it yet but I will. Thanks for sending it. Of the $130,000 RALLO received in payments on the Consulting Agreement, in addition to paying JC $25,000, RALLO paid SW $12,000 as a reward for introducing RALLO to Stenger. RALLO noted "advance" and "consulting fee" on the several checks paid to SW in order to conceal the true nature of the payments. 25. During 2016, RALLO was still actively attempting to obtain the County's employee voluntary benefits insurance contract through the help of Stenger. Stenger directed several of his top staff members, including Jeff Wagener, Shannon Weber, and Thomas Malecek to speak with the County's Director of Administration, Pam Reitz, to let her know Stenger's preference that RALLO's company receive the contract. Stenger also directed the County's Chief of Policy, Jeff Wagener, to assist RALLO in obtaining the insurance contract. On or about May 26, 2016, at Stenger' s direction, Jeff Wagener sent RALLO a draft RFP for the County's employee voluntary benefits insurance contract for RALLO's review and revisions. RALLO requested 24 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 25 of 37 PageID #: 64 changes to the RFP which would make RALLO 's insurance company eligible to bid on the RFP, including adding a process of "face-to-face" enrollment with the County's employees. Jeff Wagener passed RALLO' s requested revisions on to the County's Director of Administration who made the requested changes to the final insurance contract RFP. RALLO and Stenger continued to discuss the employee voluntary benefits insurance contract, and Stenger continued to promise RALLO that he would get the contract. During July, 2016, RALLO advised Stenger that it did not look like he would get the contract, despite Stenger's promises and actions. Stenger reached out to Jeff Wagener. July 18, 2016: Stenger: The benefits rfp is in the shitter. Jeff Wagener: What? Are you referring to Rallo? Stenger: Yes. Please text or call Shannon Weber Jeff Wagener: I just spoke with Shannon Weber. Sounds like RALLO is in the top 2. I will call Pam Reitz when they are out of their meeting. I will reinforce our choice with Pam Reitz. Stenger: Ok Jeff Wagener: She knows what needs to happen as she has been told numerous times but I will do it again. Nonetheless, once again the County Director of Administration determined not to award the contract to RALLO's company. Following her failure to award the contract to RALLO's company, Stenger had discussions with several of his top staff members about firing the County Director of Administration because she was not following his directives in awarding various contracts. 25 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 26 of 37 PageID #: 65 July 24, 2016: Jeff Wagener: ... Pam Reitz is something we need to discuss. If the Rallo thing is the reason for you wanting to get rid of her we might consider how Rallo' s team may have failed to legitimately compete. Stenger: Rallo is not the reason solely. I don't want to deal with her any longer. ... She is either tired or just not our friend. Either way I really want her gone ASAP ... .I agree on the Rallo thing whatever but whatever needed to be done to make that happen needed to be done obviously it didn't so I am not going to blame Rallo. This was a year in the making. If his submission needed clarification then he should have been given the opportunity to do so and I think he did clarify. Same shit happened with [ ] .... Coincidence? I am absolutely done with her. As soon as a replacement can be found I want her gone. 26. During 2016, in discussions with Stenger, RALLO and two other investors had identified two parcels of vacant property located in Wellston, Missouri which they desired to purchase and develop, "Wellston Industrial" and "Plymouth Industrial." The properties were held by LCRA, and Stenger directed Sheila Sweeney to work with RALLO and his partners to make sure that they could purchase the properties from the LCRA. The LCRA is affiliated with SLEDP, and Sweeney also served on the Board of LCRA. RALLO and his partners, one of whom was also a political donor in Stenger' s Trustee program, formed Wellston Holdings, LLC for the sole purpose of purchasing and developing the Wellston properties. St. Louis County had spent several million dollars in clearing, grading, and preparing the two Wellston properties for sale over the years. In carrying out Stenger's direction to make sure RALLO and his group were able to purchase and develop the properties, Sweeney directed SLEDP' s Director of Real Estate to assist RALLO and his partners in purchasing the Wellston properties; and she directed SLEDP' s General Counsel to put together RFPs for the sale of the two properties. Sweeney set the minimum bid on Plymouth Industrial at "must exceed" $250,000 and the minimum bid on Wellston Industrial at 26 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 27 of 37 PageID #: 66 "must exceed" $255,499, believing that RALLO's group might be the only group to bid on the properties. Following a September 15, 2016 meeting at Cafe Napoli between Sweeney, RALLO, and one of RALLO' s partners, Sweeney began providing information concerning the Wellston properties to RALLO and his group. September 19, 2016: RALLO: Did you have a chance to send the Wellston info? Not trying to rush you, just wanted to make sure you had the correct email [ ] Thanks Sweeney: I sent Friday. Will again. Sweeney: Just sent. Interactive map not online yet. RALLO: Got it. Thanks September 20, 2016: Sweeney: Just sent drawings. The bid response date on Plymouth Industrial was September 26, 2016, and it required a 1% earnest money deposit to accompany any bids. RALLO's group's bid, however, was for $250,000, with an earnest money deposit of $2500 which did not meet the requirement that the bid "must exceed" $250,000. Sweeney reviewed RALLO's group's bid response to the RFP, and directed RALLO to make certain revisions and edits before submitting their final bid. September 23, 2016 RALLO: Just sent you a draft copy of the [response to the RFP], let me know your thoughts. Sweeney: K. I read it. I'm in office so can do in the next few minutes. 27 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 28 of 37 PageID #: 67 RALLO: You're the best! Thanks. Also, sorry to keep you on the phone earlier, I know you were in a hurry Sweeney: No worries September 26, 2016: RALLO: Did u have a chance to look at the response to the RFP I emailed you on Friday? Sweeney: Yes. It looks fine. RALLO: I'm going to hand deliver it before noon. We need to submit a check for $2,500 with the RFP correct? Sweeney: No need for check until chosen. RALLO: Thanks Sweeney: Make your minimum price $2501, Not 2500 even. Change the figure in your letter. Sweeney: Had a chance to look at [response to RFP]. You didn't address the financing portion of it. #8. And a little more detail on #4. RALLO: Can [response to RFP] be emailed, or does it need to be hand delivered? Sweeney: Can be emailed. Sweeney: Did you send updated info? RALLO: Final touches now, will forward to [General Counsel] before 3 RALLO actually missed the 3 :00 p.m. deadline for submitting responses to the RFP, and general counsel for SLEDP raised the deadline issue with Sweeney. RALLO was also in communication with SLEDP's Director of Real Estate, Joseph Bannister, during this time, as Sweeney had directed him to assist RALLO in obtaining the properties. 28 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 29 of 37 PageID #: 68 September 26, 2016: RALLO: Are we good to go w/ the RFP deadline? Call when u get a chance. Joseph Bannister: Hey you are good. What happened was we got a second proposal. So the lawyer is figuring out exactly what we do now to award to you. Relax. Sheila knows to handle it. Understand? RALLO: Got it. Thanks Joe. Joseph Bannister: Dustin [Allison] sending you email in 20 min. Wed[nesday] you will control the property. You need to clean up 2 answers [in Wellston Holdings' response bid]. RALLO: Call me Joseph Bannister: Ok. I'm sitting w lawyer now. Can't yet. RALLO's late bid was allowed at Sweeney's direction. SLEDP's General Counsel did, in fact, have some questions concerning Wellston Holdings, LLC's bid, and he emailed his questions to RALLO. RALLO sought Sweeney's review and advice in responding to the General Counsel's mqmry. September 27, 2016: RALLO: Got a sec? Sweeney: I'm at a happy hour. Can we text. I can't hear! RALLO: I'll send you a draft of our response to Dustin Allison's email, just wanted to get your thoughts prior to us submitting ... Sweeney: Send the response. And forward his email. Send it to smsco@sbcglobal.net RALLO: Is smsco@sbcglobal.net your personal email? Sweeney: Yes 29 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 30 of 37 PageID #: 69 RALLO: Perfect! Have one for me September 28, 2016: RALLO: Any feedback?? Sweeney: Give me 10. Sweeney: Good, Send it. RALLO: Thank you my dear!! Btw, are you going to the event [fundraiser] for Steve tomorrow at Napoli? Sweeney: Yes. I'll be there. RALLO: Perfect. I'll buy you a drink .... Emailed u copy of what was sent. RALLO's group was awarded the option to purchase Plymouth Industrial, over a second bidder. As to the second Wellston property, Wellston Industrial, it had a bid response date of April 3, 201 7 and, again, a minimum bid which "must exceed" $255,499. RALLO's group originally bid $256,000. In a telephone call, Sweeney advised RALLO that his group should bid $275,000 for the property, not the minimum bid of $256,000 because there was another bidder for the property. Sweeney said it would be better to give the contract to the highest bidder, since RALLO was a Stenger political donor. RALLO's group then submitted a revised and increased bid of $275,000, which was accepted over the second bidder. The total purchase price for the two Wellston properties was approximately $525,000. 27. Throughout this period, RALLO continued to make political donations to Stenger, in exchange for Stenger's help and assistance regarding the Consulting Agreement, and the Wellston property purchases. Stenger continued to solicit the political donations from both RALLO and RALLO's business partner in Wellston Holdings, LLC during this period as well. 30 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 31 of 37 PageID #: 70 December 19, 2016: RALLO: Trustee checks mailed to 1505 Big Bend Blvd. 63117?? Stenger: Thank you!!! Yes. South Big Bend. South. RALLO: In the mail. How about a little holiday cheer late next week out at Annie Gunn' s? Stenger: Yes. I would love that. I need it. RALLO made a $2,500 political donation to Stenger on December 29, 2016, based upon Stenger's continued representations that he would help close the Wellston property sales. January 12, 2017: RALLO: Sorry, bad reception I'm skiing in Utah .... Absolutely count me in as a trustee, glad to support! Might not be a bad idea to reach out to [Rallo' s Business Partner], I'll forward you his number. Talk to you when I get back in town Stenger: Ok would u mind talking to him first to see if its possible? RALLO: Sure, no problem January 18, 2017: RALLO: Spoke w/ [Rallo's Business Partner], he's in for Trustee Stenger: Ur a beautiful man and so is [Rallo's Business Partner] February 20, 2017: Stenger: Thanks for drinks it was good to spend some time together RALLO: Enjoyed it as well! We're here to help in any way we can! March 16, 2017: RALLO: Trustee check has been cut, but is at the office, will go out no later than Monday. 31 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 32 of 37 PageID #: 71 On or about March 23, 2017, both RALLO and his Wellston Holdings, LLC business partner each made $2,500 political donations to Stenger, based upon Stenger's continued representations that he would help close the Wellston property sales. 28. Issues arose which delayed the formal real estate closing of the second Wellston property, and RALLO sought Stenger's assistance once again. July 7, 2017: RALLO: Can you help me out w/ Wellston? There's some things that Dustin Allison has really fumbled the ball on ... We still haven't closed on the second property. I appreciate it Stenger: Sure. Let's talk. I'll call. I'm handling a 911 July 11, 2017: Stenger: John I'm going to be calling later today and Jeff Wagener is calling in the meantime RALLO: Thanks August 1, 2017: RALLO: Canu talk? Need your help on Wellstonproperty .... Very important!! I need 2 minutes. Thx Stenger: U should be getting a call shortly RALLO: Thanks August 2, 2017: RALLO: I appreciate you intervening on Wellston. Looks like things are back on track! ! 29. On August 8, 2017, a reporter with the St. Louis Post Dispatch submitted a Missouri Sunshine Law request to SLEDP for information regarding Wellston Holdings, LLC and the sale of the Wellston properties. The reporter also contacted one of RALLO's partners in Wellston 32 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 33 of 37 PageID #: 72 Holdings, LLC for information. In an effort to conceal the schemes, Sweeney directed RALLO not to speak with the Post Dispatch reporter. August 8, 2017: RALLO: Jacob Barker from the Post contacted [Wellston Holdings, LLC partner] and was asking a bunch of questions about Wellston & wants to meet tomorrow morning and go to the site ....thoughts??? Call when free. Thx Sweeney: I have Port meeting at 4:00. Just got Post Sunshine request on Wellston Holdings .... Don't talk if they call you. F---. No don't meet him. Trying to make the Steve & you connection. What did [Wellston Holdings, LLC partner] say? F---. I'm in Port meeting. Can't talk. Shit. I hope he didn't say anything. Due to an ongoing series of investigative stories in the St. Louis Post Dispatch highlighting the political donor connection between RALLO and Stenger, and the Cardinal Consulting contract, Sweeney, in a further effort to conceal the schemes, directed RALLO to remove his name as Registered Agent for Cardinal Consulting from the Missouri Secretary of State records. December 16, 2017: RALLO: My attorney is out of town, but will work on it this weekend. It will be taken care of Sweeney: Thanks. RALLO: No problem. Sweeney: Gotto cover him [Stenger]! And me too!!!! RALLO: I know, I've got you covered. On December 19, 2017, per Sweeney's direction to RALLO, RALLO's attorney filed paperwork with the Missouri Secretary of State's Office changing the Registered Agent for Cardinal Consulting from RALLO's name to the attorney's name. The St. Louis Post Dispatch continued 33 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 34 of 37 PageID #: 73 its series of investigative stories into 2018, alleging Stenger had provided St. Louis County and Port Authority contracts to political donors, including RALLO and Wellston Holdings, LLC. In order to further conceal his schemes, Stenger directed RALLO not to talk with the Post Dispatch reporters who were writing the investigative stories. May 11, 2018: Stenger: You can't talk to the f---ing press. I bent over f---ing backwards for you, and I asked you one simple f---ing thing, don't talk to the f---ing press. And I'm telling you, you're gonna f---ing kill yourself, alright, you're gonna kill yourself with this shit. June 6, 2018: Stenger: Jacob Barker [Post Dispatch reporter] telephoned Sheila, who is out of town. Jacob Barker is going to submit questions by email and the County will respond. Our goal is not to give him anything. This is just a rehash of what he already has. Rehash of that same old story. It's gonna pass in August, because the reason for what they're doing is gonna die .. .I'm winning in the polls .. .It'll go away. I'm sure we'll get that [question as to how the contract went from 100 to 130] and we'll have a plausible, legitimate answer to that. When we get these [questions] and we answer them, I'll let you know what we said, so you'll know where we're going with it .... The Charge 30. From on or about October 23, 2014 through on or about December 31, 2018, in St. Louis County, in the Eastern District of Missouri, and elsewhere, the defendant, JOHNRALLO, Steven V. Stenger, and others known and unknown to the grand jury, devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County, Missouri of 34 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 35 of 37 PageID #: 74 their right to the honest and faithful services of Steven V. Stenger and Sheila Sweeney through bribery and the concealment of material information. Purpose of the Scheme 31. The purpose of the scheme and artifice was for Steven V. Stenger, a public official, to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from JOHN RALLO and his companies, along with other individuals and entities, in exchange for favorable official action, and for JOHN RALLO and other individuals to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means. Manner and Means 32. The scheme and artifice was carried out in the following manner and means, among others: a. Steven V. Stenger, a public official, solicited and accepted campaign contributions from defendant JOHN RALLO and his companies, as well as from other individuals and companies. b. Steven V. Stenger, a public official, provided favorable official action on behalf of defendant JOHN RALLO and his companies, as well as on behalf of other individuals and their companies, including, but not limited to: directing St. Louis County employees and officials to award one and more St. Louis County insurance contracts to Cardinal Insurance Group, LLC, one of defendant JOHN RALLO's companies; directing Sheila Sweeney to award a Port Authority consulting contract to Cardinal Creative Consulting, LLC, one of defendant JOHN 35 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 36 of 37 PageID #: 75 RALLO's companies; and, by directing Sheila Sweeney to award one and more LCRA land sale contracts to Wellston Holdings, LLC, one of defendant JOHN RALLO's companies. c. Defendant JOHN RALLO, Steven V. Stenger, and Sheila Sweeney took steps to hide, conceal, and cover up their activities and the nature and scope of JOHN RALLO's dealings with Steven V. Stenger, Sheila Sweeney, and other individuals, including: failing to advise the St. Louis County Port Authority Board that JOHN RALLO was a campaign contributor to Steven V. Stenger; failing to advise the, St. Louis County Port Authority Board that Stenger had directed Sweeney to help Cardinal Creative Consulting obtain a Port Authority consulting contract; failing to advise the St. Louis County Port Authority Board that the Cardinal Creative Consulting contract was increased by $30,000 in order to pay JC; failing to advise the St. Louis County Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority Board that JOHN RALLO was a campaign contributor to Steven V. Stenger; failing to advise the St. Louis County Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority Board that Stenger had directed Sweeney to insure Wellston Holdings, LLC obtained land sales contracts; directing JOHN RALLO to remove his name as registered agent for Cardinal Consulting Group, LLC; and, by making false public statements. Execution of the Scheme 33. On or about the dates listed below, in the Eastern District of Missouri and elsewhere, defendant JOHN RALLO, Steven V. Stenger, and one or more other individuals, aiding and abetting one another, for the purpose of executing the above-described scheme and artifice to defraud and deprive, caused to be used, the mail in furtherance of, or in an attempt to carry out, some essential step in the scheme: 36 Case: 4:19-cr-00367-ERW-JMB Doc. #: 2 Filed: 05/09/19 Page: 37 of 37 PageID #: 76 Mailing 1 10117/2016 $5,000 check from Cardinal Creative Consulting, LLC to JC 2 11/15/2016 $5,000 check from Cardinal Creative Consulting, LLC to JC 3 12/19/2016 $5,000 check from Cardinal Creative Consulting, LLC to JC All in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1346, and 2. A TRUE BILL. FOREPERSON REGINALD HARRIS Attorney for the United States Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. Section 515 HAL GOLDSMITH, #32984MO Assistant United States Attorney Senior Litigation Counsel 37