Chicago Lobbyist Caught Taking Undue Exemptions, Pays $96,000

A former Cook County official who is a lobbyist at Chicago city hall received tens of thousands of dollars in tax breaks he never should’ve gotten on rental properties he owns.

Armando Saleh, a registered lobbyist for PepsiCo, paid $96,000 in back taxes and penalties after wrongly receiving 34 tax exemptions, which were approved by the tax assessor, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The outlet’s investigation found that Saleh received tax breaks on two small apartment buildings he owned.

State law permits exemptions only on primary residences, with specific programs designed for seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saleh applied for homeowner, senior citizen, and senior assessment freeze exemptions on both properties, despite not meeting the legal requirements for the latter two.

Saleh, 54, was not of qualifying age for the senior exemption and applied for it over six years, starting in 2017. His case was further complicated by evidence that he began receiving senior freezes on one property as early as 1995, when he was in his 20s and working as chief of staff for a Cook County Board member.

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi identified 10 homeowners, including Saleh, who received improper benefits. Each homeowner was notified and presented with the option to repay or contest the findings. While Saleh has resolved his debt, six others are contesting their cases.

Among those disputing the claims is Jill Fitzgerald, whose lakefront mansion in Winnetka is the subject of a $294,889 repayment demand. The Assessor’s Office alleges her income exceeded the threshold for eligibility under senior assessment freeze rules.

Cook County’s property tax exemptions have long been criticized for inconsistencies and errors. Since taking office in 2019, Kaegi’s administration has identified $42.8 million in erroneous exemptions. Approximately $26.7 million has been recovered, benefiting local government entities, while the remaining balance includes liens or unresolved cases.

In one case, Kaegi is pursuing $954,972 in back taxes from Brookdale Senior Living Solutions for exemptions granted to four of its facilities. Brookdale claims the Assessor’s Office granted more exemptions than requested and is challenging penalties and interest.

Kaegi’s office has yet to determine whether Saleh’s actions warrant referral to the Cook County State’s Attorney for possible criminal investigation. Illinois law stipulates that homeowners who falsely apply for tax exemptions may face criminal prosecution.

— Andrew Terrell