News April 2006

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Jury finds Ryan guilty on all counts

A federal court jury found former Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Chicago businessman Larry Warner guilty on all counts in their seven-month corruption trial.

Both were found guilty of using public offices for personal gain, which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer could sentence them in the next few months.

Ryan, a Kankakee Republican, served as the secretary of state from 1991 to 1999 and governor from 1999 to 2003. Warner was a lobbyist and Ryan's close friend.

After the verdict was announced in Chicago Monday afternoon, Ryan said, "Needless to say, I can say I am disappointed in the outcome. But I feel confident in our appeal, and there will be an appeal."

Ryan and Warner were found guilty of racketeering and mail fraud. Other charges against Ryan include making false statements to the FBI, diverting money from his Citizens for Ryan campaign fund for personal use, and filing false tax returns. Warner was also found guilty of using the mail to send corrupt payments to benefit Ryan and himself, money laundering and failing to report cash withdrawals to the Internal Revenue Service.

Bethany Carson
Illinois Issues, April 17, 2006

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People

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