Former Illinois Gov. Ryan closes in on jail time
Former Illinois Gov. Ryan closes in on jail time
by Carol Henrichs
Former Gov. George Ryan took one step closer to prison Thursday, Oct. 25, when the U.S. Court of Appeals denied his petition for a rehearing.
The 15-page order followed the first failed appeal Aug. 28 when a three-member panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld Ryan’s April 17, 2006 conviction along with that of his co-defendant and business partner Larry Warner.
Ryan and Warner were convicted after a seven-month trial, for multiple violations of racketeering, conspiracy, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, money laundering, and tax violations in connection with the ‘licenses for bribes’ scandal.
Ryan’s ordeal with the courts began with the tragic death of six innocent children belonging to the Rev. Scott and Janet Willis. That accident began a probe into Ryan’s conduct in public office. Though Ryan did not directly cause the accident, it was later learned that the driver of the truck that did cause it, illegally obtained a drivers license when Ryan was Secretary of State. Ryan pal Dean Bauer tried to cover up the investigation of the accident for which he was convicted.
Ryan had been a captain in the Republican party. He campaigned for presidents. His business-as-usual style of governing became a symbol of Illinois politics. But the investigation turned up evidence that Ryan routinely steered state contracts to his friends and family. And, he accepted payoffs, kickbacks, gifts and vacations.
In 2003, just three days before the end of his term as governor, Ryan declared a moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois. He was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his actions., Some believe it was all a ruse to divert public attention from the scandal that chased him.
Ryan was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in jail and was supposed to report to prison Jan. 4 of this year. Warner was sentenced to 3 1/2 years and was to report to prison Jan. 16.
District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer ordered the two to jail, rejecting the defense claims that they should remain free pending appeal. She issued a 32-page ruling last October stating that it is customary for a defendant who has been found guilty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be detained unless claims can prove that a conviction is likely to be reversed by the Court of Appeals or a new trial granted.
But, a month later, the Circuit Court of Appeals said Ryan and Warner could remain free during the appeals process.
Ryan’s attorney, former Gov. James Thompson said he would take this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. That may be Ryan’s only option to guarantee his freedom.
"This was not a fair trial by jury," said Thompson. "And Governor Ryan deserves a fair trial by jury no matter what the evidence is," he said, referring to jury misconduct, the sole subject of the appeals.
Circuit Judge Michael Kanne agreed with Thompson during the initial appeal to the Appellate Court in August. He issued the sole dissenting opinion. Judge Kanne was also among the dissenters in the 6-3 opinion issued Thursday, Oct. 25, against rehearing Ryan’s case. Judge Kanne was joined by Circuit Judges Richard Posner and Ann Claire Williams. The three filled all but one paragraph of the 15-page order with their dissent. They cited circumstances related to the jury during the initial trial, even saying, "We agree with the panel majority that the evidence of the defendants’ guilt was overwhelming."
Thompson will file a motion to allow Ryan to remain out free during the appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ryan also lost the battle to retain his government pension. A Circuit Court Judge upheld an earlier ruling of the General Assembly Retirement System board that voted to deny Ryan his $197,000 pension.
Categories: corruption, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Politics, George Ryan, Illinois
What goes around comes around! George Ryan is a good example of the type of politics we need to clean up in Illinois. He had no regard for the law, or the people he was supposed to serve. What still burns me is he shows no remorse, has never apologized to the people he's hurt, and although the evidence is over whelming, he still seems to plead not guilty due to a technicality. Enough all ready! He needs to pay for his crimes like anyone else, and should be behind bars BEFORE Thanksgiving. Let his example be a lesson to the Jerry Wellers and others who have disgraced themselves in public office. Commit the crime, do the time!
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Thanks for the kind words.
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It exclusively your opinion
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Yes, my opinion, but one which is shared by so many who have had dealings with George Ryan.
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All can be
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It exclusively your opinion
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Not as exclusive as you might think.
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It's no use crying over spilt milk
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You have kept away from conversation
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Certainly not on purpose. Feel free to start one--pick a topic. Thanks for the comment.
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I'm not opposed to using videos, but I have a background in newswriting. The written word is more comfortable for me. That also might include using photographs. My aim is more toward education than entertainment. I do not take videos myself and will not use other people's work without the permission of the creator, which is sometimes difficult to secure. But, thanks for the inquiry.
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Better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak and remove all doubt
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I'm not so sure I agree with you in this case. Thanks for the comment.
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Have you ever considered adding some videos to your blog to keep the readers entertained?
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I have given that some thought, and where appropriate I am willing to use video. My background however, is in print journalism. Thanks for comment.
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Thanks for the comment. Perhaps if this was more recent, I would appreciate video, but the topic is rather dated. Thanks anyway.
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I would like to see continued...
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If there is any news re: George Ryan, I can assure you that it will be written about here. Thanks for the comment.
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