The mayor of Niles has been indicted on corruption charges. Nicholas Blase, the long time mayor of the northwest Chicago suburb was arrested on his 78th birthday last June, but it took federal prosecutors till this week to hand down an indictment.
Blase allegedly used his office to steer business to a friend’s insurance agency, in exchange for bribes. The president of the insurance company and an employee were also indicted. Federal prosecutors say Blase has been abusing his power since 1989.
Blase was first elected Niles mayor in 1961 and has served continuously for the last 45 years. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.