Harvey, Illinois - Rommell Kellogg, the brother of the former mayor of Harvey, has been found guilty on multiple charges related to a long-running prostitution scheme operating out of a local strip club. The case, which implicated the ex-mayor in the alleged illicit activities, marks a significant development in the federal investigation.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois announced on Monday that Rommell Kellogg, 71, was convicted on five counts, including conspiracy to commit theft, intimidation, and promoting theft and intimidation through interstate commerce. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a scheme that spanned several years.

Although the former mayor, Eric Kellogg, was not named in court documents and has not been charged, he is implicated in the investigation. Referred to as "Individual A," Eric Kellogg is accused of participating in the extortion scheme. The criminal complaint alleges that in 2003, the former mayor demanded monthly payments of $3,000 from the strip club in exchange for allowing its operations to continue. The payments were made for five years until Eric Kellogg allegedly demanded an increase to $6,000 in either 2007 or 2008. When the club initially resisted, a Harvey police officer supposedly ordered its closure.

The investigation further revealed that Rommell Kellogg, alongside his alleged co-conspirator Corey Johnson, worked to regularly collect payments from the strip club. Prosecutors assert that they would threaten to interfere with the club's operations if the payments were not made.

Corey Johnson, who is also a cousin of the Kellogg brothers, previously pleaded guilty to a theft charge related to the scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 14, with prosecutors recommending a sentence of no longer than six months.

Law enforcement officials uncovered the prostitution scheme during a search of the establishment in October 2017, which was prompted by suspicions of illegal activities and tax crimes. The club's manager subsequently began cooperating with authorities. The complaint noted that while the club was instructed to discontinue the prostitution activities, the defendants were allowed to continue their dealings with the business.

According to the complaint, between December 2017 and May 2018, the club allegedly made payments totaling $37,000 as part of the scheme.

Rommell Kellogg now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. However, a sentencing date has not yet been set.

The investigation and subsequent conviction shed light on a sordid affair that involved allegations of corruption and intimidation within the highest levels of Harvey's government. As the legal process continues, the community waits to see what further consequences will befall those involved in this scandal that has shaken the city's administration and its trust in its former mayor.