Former Governor Ryan found guilty on all counts

[kpete]

Ryan found guilty on all counts
Friend and lobbyist Warner also found guilty

By Matt O’Connor and Rudolph Bush
Tribune staff reporters
Published April 17, 2006, 1:01 PM CDT


A federal jury convicted former Gov. George Ryan today on all charges that as secretary of state he steered state business to cronies in return for vacations, gifts and other benefits for himself and his family.

Lobbyist Lawrence Warner, a close Ryan friend, was also found guilty on all charges against him in the historic trial.

On their eleventh day of deliberations, the six-woman, six-man jury found Ryan, 72, guilty on 18 counts of racketeering, mail fraud, false statements and tax violations. Warner, 67, was convicted on 12 counts of racketeering, mail fraud, extortion, money laundering and evading cash-reporting requirements.

At a news conference after the verdict, Ryan said he will appeal. "The decision today is not in accordance with the kind of public service I've given to the people of Illinois over 40 years," he said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/chi-060417ryantrial,0,4525779.story?coll=chi-homepagepromo440-fea

[ThomCat]

1. Yeah! Two down, many more to go.

There's a hell of a lot of corruption out there. This doesn't even make a noticable dent, but still, it's a good step.

[Radical Activist]

2. Maybe now Fitzgerald can focus on prosecuting another criminal

George Bush. Too bad there will be appeals.

[aquart]

3. This was a Fitz prosecution?

[NNN0LHI]

5. Yes. It began with one indictment of one low level employee years ago

After 60 some indictments later the big kahuna has bit the dust.

Don

[riderinthestorm]

8. Yep,

Fitz has been the chief prosecutor in some of the biggest trials in US history. Chicago is city number 2 or 3 in Fitzgerald's cap....

This case involving George Ryan may have been perking under the radar nationally, but it is as big as they get. Illinois Republicans are/were some of the most powerful, corrupt and nasty politicians in the country. I sincerely hope there is an indictment for Denny Hastert in there somewhere still waiting to come down. You just know he has to be involved somewhere. The Rs in Illinois are an incestuous bunch.

[Fridays Child]

4. I haven't followed this story but I find Ryan's statement a bit disturbing

It's one thing for a defendant to appeal because he believes that he's innocent. But is Ryan implying that his public service should, somehow, entitle him to be above any laws he may have broken? That's not a credible defense.

[EST]

6. Typical repug arrogance.

They are above the law, doncha' know.

[Saturday]

7. Why not?

It's the one Bush always uses. Ryan just took a page from George's book.

Edited for spelling.

[sinkingfeeling]

9. And another one bites the dust!!