Convicted Felon On Ballot for Mayor in Markham

MARKHAM, IL - A candidate for mayor in south suburban Markham might not be allowed to serve even if he is elected to do so.

Roger Agpawa, the Country Club Hills Fire Chief, pleaded guilty to mail fraud 18 years ago as part of a federal medical insurance fraud case and that conviction means he is not eligible to take the oath of office, according to the Daily Southtown.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has threatened in a letter to sue Agpawa if he wins and takes office because of a law that states anyone convicted of a felony is not allowed to hold such a position.

After the 1999 guilty plea, Agpawa was ordered to pay restitution, performed 200 hours of community service and served three years probation. He avoided any jail time with the plea.

In Markham, he is one of two candidates vying for the opportunity to succeed Mayor David Webb Jr. who is not seeking re-election. Perry Browley, a former longtime coach with the famed Jesse White Tumblers, is also on the ballot seeking the mayorality in the village. Write-in candidates Kenneth “Mojo” Muldrow Jr. and Errol Powell are also seeking the office.

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