Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke Reports to Federal Prison
Longest-Serving Alderman in City History Faces Two-Year Sentence
Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, the longest-serving alderman in city history, will start serving his two-year sentence at the minimum security camp at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Monday. Burke, 80, was convicted of corruption charges in June and received a sentence of two years in prison and a $2 million fine.
Conviction and Sentence
Burke was convicted of illegally using his power to win private law business from developers and threatening one of Chicago’s cultural icons for his own benefit. The court set the financial value of the crimes at $215,000, which came with a federal recommended sentence of 78-to-97 months. In June, Burke was sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine after being convicted of the crimes.
Federal Prosecutors’ Request
Federal prosecutors pushed for a 10-year prison sentence, which would have amounted to one of the harshest public corruption sentences handed down in the city’s federal court in the last decade. Prosecutors argued that Burke abused and exploited his office by pursuing his own personal and financial interests over a course of years.
Burke’s Lawyers’ Request
Meanwhile, Burke’s lawyers asked a judge to give him no prison time, citing his age and his contributions to the city of Chicago. They argued that a sentence of no prison time would be a “powerful and just expression of mercy for an 80-year-old man in the twilight of his life who has given so much of himself to so many and for so many years.”
Background
Ed Burke was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1969 and served for over 50 years. He was known for his influence and power, and his law firm, Klafter & Burke, was a major player in the city’s political and legal circles.
Conclusion
Ed Burke’s conviction and sentence mark the end of an era in Chicago politics. While his legacy is complex, his conviction and sentence serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in public office. As Burke begins his two-year sentence, it is clear that the consequences of corruption can be severe and long-lasting.
FAQs
Q: How long did Ed Burke serve as an alderman?
A: Ed Burke served as an alderman for over 50 years, from 1969 to 2020.
Q: What was Ed Burke convicted of?
A: Ed Burke was convicted of corruption charges, including illegally using his power to win private law business from developers and threatening one of Chicago’s cultural icons for his own benefit.
Q: What was Ed Burke’s sentence?
A: Ed Burke was sentenced to two years in prison and a $2 million fine.
Q: Did Ed Burke’s lawyers request any special treatment?
A: Yes, Ed Burke’s lawyers asked a judge to give him no prison time, citing his age and his contributions to the city of Chicago.
