Political operative charged with sending obscene messages to state senator
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WGN Investigates has learned a top aide to a state representative who abruptly resigned in April has now been charged with sending obscene and harassing messages to a rival state senator.
The text messages sent to State Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) included fake sexually explicit images of Hastings, Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials, according to a source.
Timothy Pawula is now charged with harassment through electronic communication, transmission of obscene messages and obscenity, according to Illinois State Police.
Pawula was chief of staff for State Rep. Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) before Ozinga abruptly resigned without explanation in April as the investigation heated-up.
Pawula responded to a request for comment.
Report: Illinois State Rep. Tim Ozinga abruptly resigned this week; represented southwest suburbs
“I’ve been a victim of electronic harassment where someone — potentially affiliated with others — sent me digitally altered, sexually explicit images that are highly offensive,” Sen. Hastings told WGN Investigates.
The messages were sent over several months between 2022 and 2023 from spoofed phone numbers. They followed a heated campaign for state senate in the southwest suburbs between Hastings and Ozinga’s preferred candidate, Patrick Sheehan, who was appointed as a state representative this year. Sheehan’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ozinga flatly denied having any knowledge of the text messages or that his aide’s alleged actions played a role in his resignation. “I had zero knowledge of this incident and was not aware that any charges were being filed until after I had already retired from the General Assembly,” Ozinga said in a message to WGN Investigates. “When I did find out about it, I disciplined the employee, he was put on unpaid leave and justice will be served.”
Illinois State Board of Elections records still list Pawula is treasurer of Ozinga’s political action committee and campaign fund.
Pritzker’s office declined to comment on the manipulated sexually explicit images or the charges other than to say the governor did not personally receive any of the messages.
WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud
Ozinga did not offer a reason for his resignation in April only posting to Facebook: “It has been a privilege to serve the constituents of the 37th District. As of today, my service in the Illinois House will end. However I will continue to dedicate my time and efforts to make Illinois a better place. I remain committed to advocating for the people of my district and moving the State of Illinois in the right direction.”
Two days later, Ozinga posted that he intended to stay on as Will County republican central committee chairman.
In a sign that the bad blood between Ozinga and Hastings has not subsided, Ozinga’s response to questions included a reference to allegations of domestic violence against Hastings that surfaced during the last campaign. “Senator Hastings is unfit for office and was asked to resign by Gov. Pritzker,” Ozinga said. “Hopefully justice will be served by the voters of Illinois this election by removing him from office.”
Records from the Illinois comptroller’s office show Pawula was last on the state payroll in 2022 as a district office employee for Ozinga making $35,000/year.
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