Alderman

Chicago Alderman Convicted of Racketeering and Bribery Escapes Discipline Due to Powerful Connections

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Chicago, IL – Former attorney and Alderman Ed Burke, who was convicted of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion, is avoiding suspension despite his charges. The Illinois Supreme Court has yet to act on a petition for an interim suspension, as a majority of the court’s justices have recused themselves from the case. This has brought attention to the influence and power that the Burke family has had in the Illinois judiciary. Burke’s crimes involved a city hall shakedown scheme to benefit his law firm, Klafter & Burke. He allegedly blocked permits for companies that did … Read more

Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Found Guilty on Multiple Corruption Charges, Faces Maximum Sentence of 20 Years

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke has been convicted on multiple counts in his federal corruption case, with the exception of one. The verdict came after Burke faced charges of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. Specifically, he was accused of using his public office for personal gain. The case against Burke, once one of the most powerful members of the Chicago City Council, focused on three separate instances of corruption. U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual stated that Burke had engaged in corrupt behavior by tying official actions to monetary contributions. Co-defendant Peter Andrews, a … Read more