A Cook County elected official, Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele, fired an aide, Jon Snyder, who had pleaded guilty in federal court and testified against his brother in a corruption case before being hired, according to records obtained by WBEZ. Initially, Steele defended Snyder’s employment at the influential agency, where she holds significant power in deciding property tax appeals. However, following a reporter’s inquiry about Snyder’s past, she suspended him in June and launched an internal investigation.
Confidential documents obtained by WBEZ revealed that Board of Review investigators alleged Snyder had multiple violations of the agency’s side job policy. These violations centered on his appraisal company’s operations in Indiana, Florida, and Illinois. While initially considering a verbal warning, Steele ultimately fired Snyder in early October. In an email to the agency’s attorney, Snyder defended his actions, claiming Steele had promised flexibility regarding his residency and appraisal business during his hiring in 2022. He also contended he had received praise and a raise before facing disciplinary action. The investigation concluded that Snyder wasn’t required to disclose his federal record and that Steele was aware of his conviction before hiring him. Steele did not respond to requests for comment, but records show Snyder, with his union’s support, is challenging his termination.
Steele, who represents the North Side of Chicago, North Shore, and northwest suburbs, was recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car accident. Police reports indicated an open bottle of wine in her vehicle and uncooperative behavior.
Prior to working for Steele, Snyder served as assessor in Porter County, Indiana, where his cooperation with federal authorities included secretly recording conversations with his brother, James Snyder, who faced corruption charges as mayor of Portage, Indiana. Jon Snyder’s assistance led to his brother’s conviction, and he received a lenient sentence of one year of probation for a misdemeanor tax charge. James Snyder’s conviction is currently under appeal.
During the Board of Review’s investigation, Snyder claimed FBI immunity for his cooperation. However, the investigation’s report, authored by the Board of Review’s top counsel Cristin Duffy, stated that he failed to fully disclose the scope of this immunity. Duffy’s accusations, including working outside approved hours and misusing sick and overtime, were initially met with resistance from Steele, who declined to follow Duffy’s recommendation for a written warning. Snyder remained employed for nearly two more months before his termination.
Snyder’s union, AFSCME Council 31, filed a charge against the Board of Review with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, seeking his reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and benefits, arguing that the Board violated labor law by not following proper disciplinary procedures. The Board of Review heavily redacted documents related to Snyder’s personnel file in response to WBEZ’s open records request, prompting a lawsuit by the station to gain access to more information.