Political Connections in a Drug Case | Chicago News

When Pietro Mautino, son of a state rep, was busted with drugs during a traffic stop, his case spiraled into a political mess. Thanks to his dad’s influence, it landed in a special prosecution unit riddled with conflicts — including ties to Frank Mautino, who later became state auditor general. After three years of delays (with lab tests done way too late), Pietro got a plea deal: probation and a clean record. The prosecutor blamed backlogs, but records tell a different story. Even the original prosecutor who handled the case later joined the unit — and had taken major campaign cash from Frank Mautino. This unit, shielded from public scrutiny by moving under the judicial branch, raises serious questions about how many other cases are quietly slipping through the cracks — all while the foxes guard the henhouse. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e44ad9b1f2cac26e