A Cook County Board of Review commissioner's Sunday evening commute ended in a two-vehicle collision and subsequent arrest in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.
According to Daily Mail, Samantha Steele, 45, faces misdemeanor charges for driving under the influence after crashing her vehicle and repeatedly taunting the arresting officer with derogatory remarks about his anatomy.
The Democratic lawmaker, who represents District 2 encompassing Chicago's North Side and northern suburbs, admitted to causing the collision at the 5000 block of North Ashland.
Police officers responding to the scene at 8:49 PM discovered extensive damage to both vehicles involved and observed clear signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and the strong scent of alcohol on Steele's breath.
The drunk driving incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the first-term commissioner. In July 2024, Steele faced a whistleblower lawsuit from former aide Franke Calabrese, who alleged wrongful termination after reporting ethical concerns.
Calabrese, who served as an appeals analyst and communications director, claimed he was fired in May after seeking legal counsel regarding potential misconduct.
The officer noted finding an open bottle of red wine on the passenger-side floor of Steele's vehicle. When asked about her alcohol consumption, Steele refused to cooperate with field sobriety tests and demanded legal representation. According to the police report, the officer documented Steele's statement: "I want my lawyer, and I am not talking to you."
Steele's political career has been marked by several contentious decisions, including her defense of hiring Jon Snyder, a former northwest Indiana politician with a federal tax-related conviction, for a county position.
Earlier in March 2024, Steele became embroiled in controversy over the Chicago Bears' property tax appeal for the Arlington Park racecourse property. The county watchdog criticized her for leaking confidential tax appeal information, supporting allegations made in Calabrese's lawsuit.
The Cook County Board of Review commissioner was elected in 2022 after defeating incumbent Michael Cabonargi in the Democratic primary. Her position grants her significant influence over property tax appeals decisions, making her conduct particularly concerning to constituents and colleagues.
The investigation into the Bears' property tax leak resulted in a recommendation for ethics training after finding Steele had violated both the board's ethics policy and state property tax code. Her actions demonstrated bias against the team in media statements and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
Steele is scheduled to appear in court on December 27 to address the drunk driving charges. The incident occurred while she was heading one of Cook County's most powerful tax appeal bodies, raising questions about her judgment and fitness for office.
The commissioner's arrest highlights ongoing concerns about her conduct in public office, from ethical violations to professional disputes. As the legal process moves forward, Steele's position as an elected official responsible for important property tax decisions remains under scrutiny.
