Rep.'s Aide Sent Fake Sexual Images Of Pritzker, State Senator: ISP

SPRINGFIELD, IL — An aide to former State Rep. Tim Ozinga has been charged in the midst of an purported text message scandal involving Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort) and other legislators, WGN reports.

Text messages sent to Hastings "included fake sexually explicit images of Hastings, Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials," the report states.

Timothy Pawula, who served as Ozinga's chief of staff prior to the lawmaker's abrupt resignation in April, is now charged with harassment through electronic communication, transmission of obscene messages and obscenity, according to Illinois State Police.

Pawula is accused of sending messages containing fabricated, sexually explicit images depicting Hastings, Gov. JB Pritzker and Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island).

"I've been a victim of electronic harassment, where someone — potentially affiliated with others — sent me digitally altered, sexually explicit images that are highly offensive," Hastings said in a statement.

"This experience has been incredibly distressing, and I appreciate the support from those around me."

An investigation into the messages was sparked by a police report filed by Hastings, in fall 2023. The messages were sent from a "spoofed" number, WGN reports. The investigation by Illinois State Police—which state police said was limited to Hastings' complaint—led to charges from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office.

Pawula is listed in Illinois State Board of Elections records as treasurer of "Ozinga for Illinois," Ozinga's campaign effort. Ozinga has denied any knowledge of the messages, and also disputed any connection to his resignation, WGN reports.

Documents show the case was filed in Will County Court; Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Carole Cheney said the Illinois Attorney General's Office is handling. No record of Pawula's case was found in Will County courts online records as of Tuesday.

Patch reached out to the Attorney General's office for more information on the allegations, but had not received a response as of Tuesday afternoon.

Ozinga in April offered no explanation for his departure, giving only a brief statement issued that day:

"As of today, my service in the Illinois House will end. However, I will continue to dedicate my time and efforts to make Illinois a better place.

"I remain committed to advocating for the people of my district and moving the State of Illinois in the right direction."

Ozinga was then replaced with Lockport alderman Patrick Sheehan, who lost to Hastings in his bid for the Senate's 19th District in 2022.

An initial court date in Pawula's case is set for Wednesday, June 5, according to a pretrial hearing release from the Illinois Attorney General's office.