Convicted Former Illinois Governor Sentenced to 6 1/2 Years

Former Governor George Ryan of Illinois was sentenced to 6 1/2 years for public corruption based on his conviction of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, false statements and tax fraud.  Along with certain associates, Ryan spearheaded a pattern of corruption including official government acts, awarding lucrative contracts and using the State of Illinois for self aggrandizement. 

 

Prosecutors charged that Ryan's terms, including secretary of state, supported underlings taking bribes from unqualified drivers in exchange for commercial drivers licenses with money donated to his campaign fund.  Among one of the many illegally licensed drivers was one who caused a 1994 collision killing six children.

 

"People must stop and think about how horrible corruption is and what it does to other people..." said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, whose office has compiled dozens of convictions associated with a long federal corruption investigation.

 

Read: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2003/pr121703_01.pdf