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Ed Burke

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politics2 years ago

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted of Racketeering and Corruption Charges

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke has been found guilty of 13 out of 14 counts of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion in a landmark corruption trial. The jury unanimously determined that Burke used his position of power to force businesses to hire his private law firm. Burke's conviction marks the 38th member of the Chicago City Council to be convicted of a crime since 1968. He faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years for racketeering.

crimecorruption2 years ago

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted on Multiple Counts in Landmark Corruption Trial

Edward M. Burke, the longest-serving City Council member in Chicago history, has been found guilty of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. Burke used his position to steer business to his law firm and was involved in four corruption schemes. He faces significant prison time when sentenced in June. Developer Charles Cui, on trial with Burke, was also found guilty, while an aide to Burke, Peter Andrews, was found not guilty. The verdict comes after a five-year public corruption investigation that shook Chicago's political landscape.

crime2 years ago

"Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Convicted on Multiple Counts in Landmark Corruption Trial"

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke has been found guilty on multiple counts, including racketeering and extortion, in his federal corruption case. The jury deliberated for 23 hours before reaching a verdict. Burke's co-defendant, Pete Andrews, was found not guilty, while Charles Cui was found guilty on all counts. Burke's sentencing is scheduled for June 19, and Cui's sentencing is set for June 17. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a statement expressing the need for reforms around transparency and accountability in light of Burke's conviction.

crime2 years ago

"Fiery closing arguments expose corruption case against Ed Burke"

Federal prosecutors have closed their corruption case against former Chicago City Council member Ed Burke, stating that his secretly recorded comments are "absolutely devastating" to him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker argued that the recordings, which captured Burke's alleged attempts to strong-arm tax business, provide the best evidence of his intent. The prosecutor displayed Burke's words in court, including his infamous "cash register" comment. Burke's defense criticized the prosecution for not calling FBI mole Danny Solis to testify, but ultimately called Solis themselves. Closing arguments have concluded, and the jury will begin deliberations after receiving instructions from the judge.

politics2 years ago

"Defense accuses prosecutors of withholding key witness in Ed Burke corruption trial"

Lawyers for former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke argued in closing statements at his corruption trial that Burke was the target, not the mastermind, of a scheme. They portrayed Burke as an honest broker of city business who fell victim to an unscrupulous FBI mole, Daniel Solis, who was out to save himself. The defense criticized the government for not calling Solis as a witness and accused him of being a liar and manipulator. The defense argued that Burke never took any official action in exchange for anything of value and never received any money. The trial will resume on Friday.

politics2 years ago

"Power, Greed, and Corruption: The Ed Burke Trial Unveiled"

In the closing arguments of the corruption trial against former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, prosecutors portrayed him as a powerful and corrupt politician who used his position to extort money and benefits. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur detailed the 19 counts of the indictment, which included allegations of using his City Hall power to secure business for his private law firm and retaliating against officials who didn't give a paid internship to a City Council ally's daughter. The trial has shed light on the inner workings of Chicago politics, and the jury is expected to receive the case by the end of the week.

politics2 years ago

"Key Witness Solis Testifies in Ed Burke Trial, Closing Arguments Imminent"

Former alderman and FBI mole Daniel Solis testified in the corruption trial of Edward Burke, revealing that he was working under the direction of the government when he recorded conversations with Burke. Solis, who made a deferred prosecution deal with the feds, admitted that his cooperation was motivated by self-interest. Burke's defense team attempted to discredit Solis and suggested that he enticed Burke with FBI-scripted lies. Closing arguments are expected to begin soon.

politics2 years ago

Chicago's Migrant Housing Plan Derailed Amid Environmental Concerns

The Pritzker administration has halted the construction of a tent shelter for migrants in Brighton Park due to environmental concerns, disappointing local officials who had invested in the project. Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke's trial centers around allegations of extortion involving a Burger King owner and his property tax appeals firm. Union Station will receive a $93 million federal grant for upgrades, but Amtrak had sought a much larger sum. In other news, Chicago offers the option to rent a hot tub boat on the Chicago River, but it comes at a high price.

politics2 years ago

"Yearslong Pursuit Ends Empty: The 'Tuna' Eludes Burke in High-Stakes Trial"

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke, who is currently on trial for racketeering, bribery, and extortion, spent two years trying to secure business for his law firm from a developer, but ultimately received no payment, according to testimony from a federal jury. Prosecutors presented evidence of Burke's alleged attempts to leverage his political influence to benefit his tax appeals firm. The trial also revealed allegations that Burke threatened to block a fee increase at the Field Museum and attempted to pressure the owners of a Burger King for legal business. Burke's trial is expected to conclude by December 11.

legalcriminal-justice2 years ago

"Judge to Rule on Defense Objection in Ed Burke Corruption Trial"

The judge presiding over former Ald. Ed Burke's corruption trial is considering a mistrial after a witness made a comment about the "Chicago way of doing business" being "very corrupt." Burke's attorneys have requested a mistrial, and the judge has asked for written briefs from both sides. The trial has included testimony about Burke using his political influence to benefit his property tax appeal law firm and his alleged involvement in making an Amtrak board member's daughter a judge. Jurors also heard recordings of Burke making controversial remarks about Jews and expressing frustration about not receiving payment.