By NW Illinois News |
Jul 2, 2024
Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced last week to two years in prison and a $2 million fine after being convicted last December of 13 counts of extortion, bribery, and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence for Burke, who is 80 years old. Under existing Illinois law, Burke may be legally allowed to pay his entire fine using his campaign war chest. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has sought to close this loophole and prohibit convicted politicians from using campaign funds to pay legal fees or corruption fines.