Robert Dominic’s Behind-the-Scenes Life and Guilty Plea

Robert “Bobby” Dominic has long been an understated presence on Grand Avenue. Despite his rumored ties to Richard’s Bar, a venue that notably overlooks smoking ordinances, Dominic has never been a familiar name to the public, lacking a criminal record. His alleged connections to Outfit figures, such as serving as a driver for Joey “The Clown” Lombardo, added to his mystique. He reportedly managed pornography and gambling operations for the syndicate and maintained close relations with current leadership.

Dominic’s life took a more public turn at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse recently, where he pled guilty to a tax charge. Yet, the proceedings unfolded quietly, attracting little media attention. The setting was marked by FBI agents from the public corruption squad observing the hearing. U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo noted the unusual nature of the deal which proposed moving directly to sentencing, including recommending probation.

This is unusual. I need to know about what this is.

Typically, a presentence investigation follows a guilty plea in federal court. This involves analyzing the defendant’s background and the conduct related to the conviction. For Dominic, this process was waived. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Rothblatt explained Dominic’s situation. At 72, he was considered a “first-time offender,” with no actual tax loss identified.

Bucklo ultimately approved the agreement, halting a trial set for later. Dominic, identifiable by his gray suit and light green tie, spoke minimally throughout the hearing. His hearing difficulties required the judge to repeat herself. Dominic revealed limited educational background, having studied for only two months in high school.

Dominic disclosed his past work, mentioning assistance to his father at the tavern and rooming house, referencing the Acacia Hotel linked to Richard’s Bar. His plea agreement acknowledged directing his wife to prepare misleading corporate tax returns for Company A. Despite this, all corporate taxes were paid promptly, as stated in the agreement. However, omitted ownership information was significant for the IRS.

Initial charges against Dominic painted a stark picture. The indictment alleged he received significant sums from sweepstakes gaming companies through a sham entity. Following his girlfriend’s passing in January 2020, he purportedly created another company under another woman’s name, continuing payments. Accusations detailed Dominic’s failure to report income exceeding $1.2 million to the IRS.

Rothblatt informed the court Friday that Company A fulfilled its tax obligations on time, and Individual B’s owed taxes were rectified subsequently. The case stemmed from a broader investigation into sweepstakes gaming machines, implicating figures like Luis Arroyo and James Weiss.

Weiss’ criminal case involved connections to Frank “The German” Schweihs. Joseph Weiss, implicated for misleading federal investigators, highlighted Dominic’s role in resolving conflicts for James Weiss. These incidents, followed by arrests and convictions, illustrate the complex web surrounding Dominic.

James Weiss, linked to political corruption and bribery, was sentenced to prison, underscoring the severity of the operations entwined with Grand Avenue. The hearing signaled Dominic’s quiet yet significant influence in this realm.