A key figure in the Cook County patronage hiring scandal was sentenced Tuesday to 60 days in jail for an unrelated courthouse scuffle in Wheaton.
Tony E. Cole was convicted two months ago of violating the bail bond he received for a domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend in Elmhurst, but jurors acquitted him of three other misdemeanors involving a deputy sheriff.
Cole, 30, Chicago, faced up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines.
He was taken into immediate custody Tuesday after DuPage Associate Judge William Ferguson denied Cole’s request to delay the sentence until the unemployed college student’s spring break.
Cole also is barred from having contact with his ex-girlfriend while serving two years’ probation.
“He lacks remorse,” Ferguson said. “His refusal to admit his conduct is troubling to the court.”
Cole was accused of striking the woman in the face March 13, 2008. Nearly six months later, while free on bond, Cole found himself in more legal trouble when he showed up for his trial.
Cole argued with the woman and tried to block her from entering the courtroom Sept. 10, 2008 despite a judge’s order barring further contact, prosecutors said.
Cole also was accused of slapping away the hand of a male deputy who investigated the heated courthouse exchange.
He pleaded guilty to the earlier battery involving his ex-girlfriend in Elmhurst, but fought the allegations involving the courthouse scuffle. During his trial, in December, Cole denied touching the deputy or confronting his ex-girlfriend.
Jill Eckhaus, an assistant DuPage County public defender, said the incident was blown out of proportion. The ex-girlfriend did not testify during the trial.
The jury deliberated more than one hour before reaching the split verdict Dec. 10.
Prosecutor Bethany Jackson sought a 90-day jail stint, citing Cole’s three prior battery convictions. Eckhaus urged the judge to allow Cole to continue with his education.
“He is trying to make a life for himself,” she said. “He is a college student. He’s intelligent. He is someone who is trying to be a productive member of society.”
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, who last week lost his election bid, hired Cole, a former busboy, in October 2008 as an aide to Stroger’s cousin, Donna Dunnings, the office’s chief financial officer.
Cole was twice promoted and saw his salary increase to $61,000 before Stroger fired him in April amid a patronage hiring scandal. Stroger also fired Dunnings, who at least twice bailed Cole out of jail in the domestic violence cases.
Cole has portrayed himself as a hardworking college student who was a victim in a political feud between his higher-ups. Stroger’s name did not come up in the DuPage County trial.
Cole, who is eligible for day-to-day credit and already served 17 days, likely will be released from jail in about two weeks. His criminal history includes three prior battery offenses, including the 2008 case involving his ex-girlfriend.
Ferguson also recommended Cole undergo anger management counseling.
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