A Democratic politician whom the Chicago Tribune regarded as “arguably the most powerful politician in Chicago for decades” was convicted of corruption but got a light sentence from the judge.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall sentenced former Chicago Alderman Edward Burke to two years in federal prison, roughly one-fifth of what prosecutors recommended and far less than the 6.5 years recommended by federal guidelines. He was also fined $2 million. Burke, who is reputedly worth $30 million, was convicted on 13 of 14 counts of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion.
“Prosecutors argued the actual cost of the crimes Burke was convicted of was $829,525,” WTTW reported.
Burke, who is 80 years old, “surely won’t be incarcerated for close to the two years he got Monday for getting caught red-handed shaking down businesses needing city permits and approvals,” the Chicago Tribune editorial board opined.
“Clearly, these were not a one-time lapse in judgment,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said regarding the incidents in which Burke acted corruptly. “They were the exact opposite. … He operated as a seasoned professional.”
“The $2 million fine was, on one level, a big bill for Burke to have to pay but also very disturbing to us,” The Tribune stated, pointing out Burke could well afford it. “… it left the impression of a powerful man being permitted to purchase years of freedom, simply because he had sufficient resources to do so.”
Prior to the sentencing, prosecutors accused Burke of abusing his power “again and again and again and again over a period of years, working in his own best interest instead of the public’s. … His conduct hurt not only the specific victims in his case, but all residents of the city of Chicago who have a right to honest government. … That trust will not easily be repaired.”
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“Corruption in the Chicago City Council tears at the fabric of a vital body of local government,” Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Morris Pasqual stated after the sentence. “When an alderman fails to discharge his duties with honesty and integrity, he betrays not only the citizens of Chicago, but his fellow public officials who do their jobs the right way. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute corruption and hold public officials accountable for violating the public trust.”
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[[{“value”:”
A Democratic politician whom the Chicago Tribune regarded as “arguably the most powerful politician in Chicago for decades” was convicted of corruption but got a light sentence from the judge.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall sentenced former Chicago Alderman Edward Burke to two years in federal prison, roughly one-fifth of what prosecutors recommended and far less than the 6.5 years recommended by federal guidelines. He was also fined $2 million. Burke, who is reputedly worth $30 million, was convicted on 13 of 14 counts of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion.
“Prosecutors argued the actual cost of the crimes Burke was convicted of was $829,525,” WTTW reported.
Burke, who is 80 years old, “surely won’t be incarcerated for close to the two years he got Monday for getting caught red-handed shaking down businesses needing city permits and approvals,” the Chicago Tribune editorial board opined.
“Clearly, these were not a one-time lapse in judgment,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said regarding the incidents in which Burke acted corruptly. “They were the exact opposite. … He operated as a seasoned professional.”
“The $2 million fine was, on one level, a big bill for Burke to have to pay but also very disturbing to us,” The Tribune stated, pointing out Burke could well afford it. “… it left the impression of a powerful man being permitted to purchase years of freedom, simply because he had sufficient resources to do so.”
Prior to the sentencing, prosecutors accused Burke of abusing his power “again and again and again and again over a period of years, working in his own best interest instead of the public’s. … His conduct hurt not only the specific victims in his case, but all residents of the city of Chicago who have a right to honest government. … That trust will not easily be repaired.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
“Corruption in the Chicago City Council tears at the fabric of a vital body of local government,” Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Morris Pasqual stated after the sentence. “When an alderman fails to discharge his duties with honesty and integrity, he betrays not only the citizens of Chicago, but his fellow public officials who do their jobs the right way. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute corruption and hold public officials accountable for violating the public trust.”
“}]]
