GUILTY! On All Counts!

[orleans]

HA!

CHICAGO, April 17 (Reuters) - Former Illinois governor George Ryan, a hero to death penalty opponents for halting executions in the state, was found guilty on Monday of fraud, racketeering, tax evasion and other public corruption charges.

Larry Warner, a friend of Ryan and a businessman who had frequent dealings with the state government, also was found guilty of all charges against him.

Prosecutors had claimed Ryan's tenure as governor and before that as secretary of state was marked by deal-making that enriched his cronies and family -- charges Ryan had steadfastly denied.

The jury convicted Ryan, 72, of all 18 felony counts against him, including racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, tax fraud and making false statements to the FBI. Each count carried maximum prison sentences of between three and 20 years, plus fines. He will be sentenced later this year.

more...
http://today.reuters.com/business/newsarticle.aspx?type=tnBusinessNews&storyID=nN17276211

[Inland]

1. I don't think anyone is not surprised by a sweep.

What a victory for Fitzgerald!

[davsand]

2. Topinka had some pretty close ties to Ryan, didn't she?

I have to admit, my first thought was what a HUGE body shot to the Illinois GOP with JBT running for Governor right now...

Then my second thought was yeah--it must suck to be them right now.

:evilgrin:


Laura

[DanCa]

3. Hah hahaha Good News for Blagojevich

I think that all the conservatives will sit out this election unless Meeks decides to run. Which will also be good news for Blago because Meeks is such a wingnut that it will fire up the Liberals.
Good news all around it seems the Easter Bunny came too my house one day late.

[fabsfour]

4. And then he starts blathering about his years of public service

Public service my eye. He was in it for himself and his pals. The public had nothing to do with it, except providing the cash.

This makes me happy. I wish we didn't have to wait until August for sentencing.

[kevsand]

5. On the other hand,

if the sentencing isn't until August, it may be fresher in people's minds on election day.

[AtLiberty]

6. Has anyone noticed a pattern of GOP fraud and corruption?

Is it all a coincidence?

Just wondering...

[mopinko]

7. that's why he didn't take the stand

iirc, he was the head of the 2000 illinois bush campaign. how great would it have been for him to have to testify under oath, answering questions from fitz's guys? he was not about to risk it.