A Chicago businessman with mob connections, Robert “Bobby” Dominic, 71, faces charges of tax evasion. Prosecutors allege Dominic had a concealed stake in a sweepstakes gaming company managed by Joe Berrios’ imprisoned son-in-law. Dominic, linked to the Outfit’s Grand Avenue crew, was publicly charged in a five-count indictment in U.S. District Court. The charges include tax evasion and failing to file tax returns. An arraignment date is pending, and Dominic, representing himself, couldn’t be reached for comment.
The indictment details payments to Dominic from sweepstakes companies using a sham entity owned by his deceased girlfriend. After her death in January 2020, Dominic allegedly created another fake company with another woman, Individual B, continuing to receive illicit payments. By March 30, 2021, a stock certificate for the sham company was updated to make Dominic the beneficiary upon Individual B’s death.
While under investigation by a federal grand jury, Individual B, who was subpoenaed, allegedly married Dominic before her testimony. Dominic’s wife formed a company called Promotional Consulting Inc. The business’ address aligns with Richard’s Bar and a single-room occupancy hotel linked to Dominic. The attorney for Promotional Consulting, Edward Eberspacher, who previously represented Dominic, could not be contacted for comment.
The indictment does not quantify unpaid taxes but highlights Dominic’s income of over $1.2 million from these companies. Dominic, according to allegations, did not file tax returns showing this income. This case stems from a broader investigation into sweepstakes gaming machines, leading to charges against ex-state Rep. Luis Arroyo and businessman James Weiss, married to Maria “Toni” Berrios.
The investigation unveiled Dominic’s connections, with his involvement emphasized in James Weiss’ ties to mob hit man Frank “The German” Schweihs. Recordings capture Weiss’ brother, Joseph, discussing Dominic’s role in settling disputes for Weiss. Dominic was reportedly a known associate, validating suggestions of mob affiliations.
Weiss denied connections with Schweihs through his attorney, while other records revealed overlap between Weiss’ sweepstakes firm, V.S.S., and former Chicago police officer John Adreani. Adreani was dismissed from the police for associations with a drug trafficker. Despite no charges against him, his involvement was noted during Weiss’ trial.
Additional firms tied to Weiss’ ventures shared addresses in Dolton and linked back to Richard’s Bar and related enterprises managed by Dominic’s family. Dominic’s criminal involvement extended to being part owner of Richard’s Bar and similar ventures in the Grand Avenue crew. His previous dealings tied him to prominent mobster Joseph “The Clown” Lombardo.
The investigation expanded into Weiss’ attempted bribery to influence state gambling legislation, ultimately leading to arrests of Arroyo and others. Witness state Sen. Terry Link, cooperating with the FBI, provided testimony, contributing to this case’s development. Convicted of bribery and fraud, Weiss began serving a sentence at Leavenworth after a jury decision. Arroyo was sentenced to nearly five years but was released to a halfway house. Joseph Weiss received a two-month jail sentence.