News May 2005

Daniels' aide indicted 
A federal grand jury indicted Michael Tristano, chief of staff for former House Republican Leader Lee Daniels, and charged him with nine counts of fraud, theft and extortion conspiracy. The indictment alleges that Tristano had legislative staff use state-paid time to work on campaigns and that he spent state funds to reimburse expenses for employees' campaign travel.

Tristano, a Glenview resident, also was the executive director of the House Republican Campaign Committee. The indictment also alleges that he conspired to funnel a  $1.3 million state grant to Willow Springs. Grant dollars went to a private real estate partnership that, in turn, subsidized an unnamed downstate Republican candidate for the General Assembly, according to the indictment. Among the partners was Roger Stanley, who is now in prison for a corruption-related conviction.
See Tristano indictment (.pdf)

Illinois Issues May 19, 2005

Feds indict ex officer of health facility panel
A Republican powerbroker used his post on an influential state panel in a failed attempt to draw a Naperville hospital into a web of insider deals that netted $9.5 million in kickbacks, federal prosecutors allege in a 28-count indictment made public last month.

Stuart Levine, a top campaign contributor to former GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan, was arrested on charges that include extortion, money laundering, mail fraud and wire fraud. As former vice chairman of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, Levine allegedly told executives at Edward Hospital in Naperville that the panel wouldn't approve a $113 million hospital project in Plainfield unless the hospital hired a Chicago-area construction executive.
See Levine indictment (.pdf)

Illinois Issues May 19, 2005

Governor drops CMS consulting company
Gov. Rod Blagojevich directed the Department of Central Management Services to sever ties with a politically connected firm that billed taxpayers $30,000 in SUV rentals, alcohol and other questionable expenses. A day earlier Blagojevich said the state would continue to work with Illinois Property Asset Management, which he likened to a star Cubs' pitcher coming off a bad outing. He was responding to irregularities Auditor General William Holland disclosed in late April. The company was about halfway through a more than $30 million three-year contract to reform state real estate practices. The deal has cost taxpayers $13.3 million so far. Blagojevich also suspended without pay the CMS employee who approved paying such expenses as parking at a Chicago Bulls game and a dinner to celebrate landing the contract. The suspension is expected to continue while CMS reviews the expenses and considers whether to take other disciplinary actions.

Pat Guinane
Illinois Issues May 5 , 2005

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People

Z. Scott
The former federal prosecutor Gov. Rod Blagojevich hired as his first inspector general says she will step down to return to the private sector.

Illinois Issues, May 19, 2005

Doug Scott
The former mayor of Rockford is the new director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, replacing Renee Cipriano who is expected to return to the private sector at the end of June.

Illinois Issues, May 19, 2005

Margaret Smith
The former Democratic state senator from Chicago and advocate for women and children died May 16. She was 82.

Illinois Issues, May 19, 2005

U.S. attorney reveals details from case
against Ryan
Government's evidentiary proffer for United States of America v. Lawrence Warner and George H. Ryan, Sr. (.pdf)

Illinois Issues, January 11, 2004

Read our analysis: George Ryan's political career

Illinois Issues, December 17, 2003

Case summary of Operation Saferoad
(updated December 17, 2003)
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/osr/osrcasesummary.pdf

Press release, the Ryan indictment
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/2003/pr121703_01.pdf