Police Investigate Plot to Blackmail Gurnee Mayor

Anonymous letters threatening to expose newly re-elected Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik for allegedly trading sex for political favors have now been turned over to federal authorities, reports the Lake County News-Sun, which has posted photos of the letters on its website.

Gurnee Police confirmed it was a blackmail plot that began with letters being mailed to Kovarik in February. Some residents also received flyers made to look like a Daily Herald article, according to the News-Sun.

Kovarik has vehemently denied the allegations and has called those responsible "cowards," reported the Daily Herald.

The letters reportedly stated that if Kovarik did not withdraw from the election, details would be released to the media, according to the News-Sun.

Kovarik won her third term on April 9, garnering 62.61 percent of the votes over her opponent, village trustee Kirk Morris.