Former Gambling Kingpin Faces Burglary Charges In West Dundee Incident
Casey Szaflarski Indicted in Burglary Case
Casey Szaflarski, 67, once notorious as a key figure in Chicago’s video gambling scene, was formally charged on May 28 with felony burglary. The indictment relates to a break-in at the residence of a wealthy restaurateur in the West Dundee area around March 18, according to official court documents.
Details of the Burglary and Additional Charges
Szaflarski, along with two alleged partners, Paul Koroluk, reputed to have mob ties, and Louis Capuzi Jr., the son of a former state lawmaker, are accused of unlawfully taking valuables including cash and jewelry estimated to be worth between $10,000 and $100,000. The charges also include residential burglary.
The victim is the owner of a successful restaurant group operating over a dozen venues, many of which house video gambling machines that have collectively generated in excess of $30 million in net income, based on Illinois Gaming Board data. A spokesperson from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but did not comment on any connection to other related crimes.
Background on the Suspects
Szaflarski’s past includes a 2012 federal prison sentence of over three years for managing an illegal video gambling operation linked to the Cicero mob under Michael “The Large Guy” Sarno, who is currently imprisoned. This gambling activity was once illegal in Illinois, though it was widespread and controlled by organized crime factions distributing machines and settling disputes through violence. The legalization and regulation of video gambling began in 2009 and machines were legally introduced in 2012. Szaflarski was released from federal custody in 2015 and resides in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.
Regarding Louis Capuzi Jr., 68, his attorney describes him as an elderly man in poor health and states there is no proof that Capuzi took part in the burglary or was present at the home during the incident, claiming he was dealing with a flat tire at the time.
Capuzi’s late father, who shared his name, was an Illinois state legislator and deputy coroner associated with the West Side Bloc, a political faction with reputed organized crime connections. While he was once convicted for bribery, that conviction was later overturned.
Paul Koroluk, 67, has a lengthy criminal record including arrests for weapon offenses, battery, burglary, arson, assault, possession of burglary tools, and theft. In the 1990s, he was linked to a series of break-ins in Long Grove where authorities recovered over $1 million in stolen valuables.
