Former Gov. Ryan Could Face Charges

CBS 2 Chicago ^ | December 16, 2003 | Mike Flannery

[Land_of_Lincoln_John]

CHICAGO (CBS 2) Former Illinois Governor George Ryan could soon be facing serious federal charges.

Sources at the Department of Justice in Washington tell CBS 2 that potential charges include income tax violations, extortion and racketeering. The charges could come down as early as Wednesday.

George Ryan now has one of the best defense lawyers in America, former U.S. Atty. Dan Webb. He's met repeatedly with prosecutors trying to persuade them not to file criminal charges, but he has told CBS 2 News that he, too, fears an indictment could come soon.

The investigation began more than 5 years ago and focused at first on low-level employees of then Secretary of State George Ryan. Dozens were subsequently convicted in connection with selling drivers' licenses for bribe money that ended up in the coffers of Citizens for Ryan, the multi-million dollar political war chest that helped him win election as governor.

The federal government indicted and convicted that fund as a continuing criminal conspiracy in a trial some saw as a preview of possible proceedings involving the former governor himself.

For years Ryan insisted he did nothing wrong. Since becoming a target of the investigation more than a year ago, Ryan has declined to make any comment at all regarding the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and his assistants have given us glimpses of their potential case against Ryan. While prosecuting others, they have referred to Ryan as "Official A.”

Public aired allegations include claims that Ryan took thousands of dollars in cash and gifts from a series of people who got state contracts and favors, ranging from relatively trivial low-digit license plates to no-bid deals worth millions of tax dollars.

U.S. Atty Patrick Fitzgerald's office had no comment regarding possible pending federal charges against Ryan.

[Land_of_Lincoln_John]

Is this the same guy that let all of the murderers off of death row?

Yep, the same. The left's favorite non-Democrat.

[LandofLincoln]

BINGO! THAT'S HIM. HE HAD THIS THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD NEVER SEND THE RECIPIANT OF THE NOBLE PEACE PRIZE TO JAIL. HA! NOBLE PEACE PRIZE MY *SS. THIS MAN IS GOING AWAY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE.

[Catspaw]

No, I don't blame Ryan for the deaths of those sweet children. But it did trigger off media scrutiny on how CDLs were being issued illegally in Illinois.

[river rat]

Some would consider it poetic justice, to have the "Honorable Ex-Governor" become the girlfriend of a few of the murderers whose Death Sentences he overruled as one of his last acts in office -- to win the hearts and minds of the criminal elements...

Semper Fi

[LandofLincoln]

KG9 KID, THE ARTICLE DID NOT SAY HE WAS A DEMOCRAT, BECAUSE HE IS ONE OF OURS. THAT IS RIGHT, OUR PARTY CODDLED THIS S.O.B.

[LandofLincoln]

WHERE IS THE PARTY CHI-TOWN LADY?

[Theodore R.]

This is good news for IL Democrats. Legal troubles for anyone named "Ryan" will continue to confuse the IL electorate and guarantee perpetual Democrat victory in the once "Land of Lincoln."

[The KG9 Kid]

;)

[X-FID]

George Ryan now has one of the best defense lawyers in America, former U.S. Atty. Dan Webb. He's met repeatedly with prosecutors trying to persuade them not to file criminal charges, but he has told CBS 2 News that he, too, fears an indictment could come soon.

Dan Webb has been elevated to one of the best defense lawyers in America. As a federal prosecutor operation Greylord was his claim to fame, he may have some juice with the feds, but here's hoping Lyin Ryan gets what he deserves.

[LandofLincoln]

WE AGREE ON THAT, COOL. THAT JUST MADE PEOPLE PULL THEIR HEADS OUT OF THE SAND, AND ADMIT WHAT WAS GOING ON.

[chicagolady]

If you are an Illinois Freeper you are invited. It will be in Oak Forest Il this Sat Dec. 20th 2003. 4pm-9pm.
Freep mail me if you want to come.

CL

[Annie03]

I'm sure you are correct. I grew up in IL and lived there til 6 years ago. I also know they were investigating Ryan back in the early/mid 80's - had a friend who worked at the Secy of State office. It has taken 20 years to get to indictment (while meanwhile he got to be gov). Also observed the layers of corruption in politicians in general. Lucky me (shiver).

ps I still miss Illinois!

[LandofLincoln]

WEBB IS NOT THAT GOOD. OPERATION GREYLORD WAS A GREAT THING, BUT CONVICTING CRIMINALS IS EASIER THAN WINNING VERDICTS FOR OBVIOUS CRIMINALS. WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT IT IS EASIER TO CONVICT A COUPLE OF CROOKED JUDGE THAN IT IS TO BEAT THE RAP FOR THE WORST CRIMINAL TO EVER LIVE IN THE GOVENOR'S MANSION.

TEN-TO-ONE WEBB LOSES THIS ONE.

[BlessedBeGod]

Cool! We've been waiting for this for a long time. :-)

[LandofLincoln]

I ALWAYS SAID THAT HE WAS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY, MOSTLY BECAUSE HE HAS PROBABLY COMMITTED A COUPLE OF CRIMES THAT CARRY THE DEATH PENALTY.

IF I WERE HIM, I WOULD BE AGAINST IT TOO.

[LandofLincoln]

DANG, I LIVE RIGHT HERE, BUT MY FAMILY WILL BE DOING SOME HOLIDAY VISITING ON SATURDAY NIGHT. SORRY THAT I COULD NOT MAKE IT. ADD ME TO YOUR E-MAIL LIST AND LET ME KNOW ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS, I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU PEOPLE.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[X-FID]

WEBB IS NOT THAT GOOD. OPERATION GREYLORD WAS A GREAT THING, BUT CONVICTING CRIMINALS IS EASIER THAN WINNING VERDICTS FOR OBVIOUS CRIMINALS. WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT IT IS EASIER TO CONVICT A COUPLE OF CROOKED JUDGE THAN IT IS TO BEAT THE RAP FOR THE WORST CRIMINAL TO EVER LIVE IN THE GOVENOR'S MANSION. TEN-TO-ONE WEBB LOSES THIS ONE.

I agree with that, I didn't mean to imply that I believe Webb is good, just the opposite actually. BTW what's the deal with the caps?

[RWR8189]

When I was growing up I was good friends with Scott Fawell's brother, so a lot of this scandal is pretty close to home. He always was a sneaky guy, and Im sure he found a friend with Ryan.

I'll never forgive Ryan for setting the GOP back at least 10 years in Illinois. Its a shame the old man cant stay Saddam's death sentence, Im sure he would. I hope Ryan gets time, he's screwed all of us.

Not only did he define the word RINO, he was as corrupt as a Daley democrat.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

"Corruption? In our joint?"