A powerful Cook County, Illinois Democratic tax official faces drunk driving charges after crashing her car on Chicago’s North Side Sunday night, ending with her lying on a sidewalk and taunting an arresting officer about his penis size, according to police reports.
Democratic leader Samantha Steele, 45, one of three commissioners on the Cook County Board of Review, made a wide turn from Winnemac Avenue onto Ashland Avenue around 8:49 p.m., striking a parked Dodge Charger that then collided with a Subaru Forester, officers said after their arrest.
Officers responding to the scene found “extensive” damage to both vehicles.
Police discovered an open bottle of red wine in Steele’s passenger compartment and noted her “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and strong alcohol odor on her breath.
The first-term commissioner refused field sobriety tests, police said.
“I want my lawyer, and I am not talking to you,” she told officers when asked about her drinking.
After complaining of head injuries, Steele was handcuffed and transported to a local hospital. During her arrest, she repeatedly mocked an officer’s anatomy, according to police reports. She summoned Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton to the hospital for legal help, though he later acknowledged he isn’t a criminal attorney and has referred her elsewhere.
The incident adds to mounting controversies for Steele, who oversees property tax appeals in District 2, covering Chicago’s North Side and northern suburbs.
Elected in 2022 after working on County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s transition team, she faces a federal whistleblower lawsuit from aide Frank Calabrese and drew criticism for hiring a former Indiana politician who had pleaded guilty in a federal case.
Steele has also been embroiled in high-profile disputes, including contentious negotiations over the Chicago Bears’ property tax bill for their potential Arlington Park stadium site. S
he defeated incumbent Michael Cabonargi in the 2022 Democratic primary to win her seat on the powerful tax appeals board after promising reform and transparency in the office.
The Democratic leader faces one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. She has not responded to requests for comment about her December 27 court date.