I haven't read the Panici-related books yet, so I can't give an opinion. I don't take high profile prosecutions at face value because there have been too many cases where informants implicate innocent or marginal people to get more benefits for themselves, and where prosecutors abuse the facts since often these cases are stepping stones to higher office. On the other hand, Panici could be lying.

Here's some links of interest:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-02-03/news/9303175180_1_barger-bribes-corrupt

http://www.leagle.com/decision/19961193914FSupp279_11131.xml/CITY%20OF%20CHICAGO%20HEIGHTS,%20ILL.%20v.%20LOBUE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Panici

http://patch.com/illinois/chicagoheights/read-chapter-one-of-controversial-chuck-panici-book

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1322711.html