Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele fired an aide, Jon Snyder, after an internal investigation revealed multiple violations of agency policy. This follows a WBEZ report detailing Snyder’s past, including a guilty plea in federal court and testimony against his brother in a corruption case, before his hiring.
Initially, Steele defended hiring Snyder, citing his work at the obscure yet influential agency, where she and two other commissioners determine property tax appeals. However, following a reporter’s inquiry, she suspended Snyder and launched an internal investigation. Confidential documents obtained by WBEZ revealed that investigators found Snyder had repeatedly violated Board of Review policies regarding side jobs, specifically concerning his appraisal company operating in Indiana, Florida, and Illinois. Despite initial hesitation to take significant action, Steele ultimately fired Snyder in early October.
Snyder, in an email to the agency’s attorney, defended his actions, claiming Steele had promised flexibility regarding his residency and appraisal business when he was hired in 2022. He also stated he had received praise and a raise prior to his termination. The internal investigation concluded that Snyder wasn’t required to disclose his federal conviction when applying and that Steele was aware of it at the time of hiring. Steele did not respond to requests for comment, but records show Snyder, with his union’s support, is challenging his termination.
Separately, Steele was recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car accident. Police reports indicate an open bottle of wine was found in her vehicle, and she made inappropriate comments to officers.
Before working for Steele, Snyder served as assessor in Porter County, Indiana. His cooperation with federal authorities in his brother’s corruption case resulted in a lenient sentence for a misdemeanor tax-related charge. His brother, James Snyder, who fought his conviction to the Supreme Court, may face a retrial. During the Board of Review investigation, Snyder claimed FBI immunity, but the investigation concluded he failed to fully disclose the extent of that immunity.
The Board of Review’s general counsel recommended only a written warning for Snyder, but Steele initially declined to follow that recommendation. Snyder remained employed for nearly two months before his termination, ostensibly to create a vacancy. His union is contesting the termination, arguing the Board of Review violated labor law by not following established procedures. WBEZ has filed suit against the Board of Review to obtain more information from Snyder’s heavily redacted personnel file.