A verdict has been reached in the high-profile corruption case of long-time Chicago Alderman Ed Burke—and justice has prevailed. On Thursday, a government jury viewed Burke to be blameworthy on every one of the 14 counts connected with involving his, key, influential place to blackmail business for his confidential law office.
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For those unfamiliar, Ed Burke is Chicago’s longest-serving alderman, holding office since 1969. He has also been an intimidating force in city politics, previously serving as Chairman of the powerful City Council Finance Committee.
The case stemmed from accusations that Burke abused these positions to corruptly steer business towards his private property tax appeal firm. In recordings captured by the FBI, he brazenly asked business owners to give him legal work in exchange for help with licenses, permits, and remodelling projects.
After hearing weeks of damning evidence, the jury unanimously convicted Burke of violating the federal RICO statute as well as extortion, bribery and attempted extortion charges.
U.S. Lawyer John Lausch hailed the decision, expressing “individuals of Chicago merit community workers who work to the public’s advantage, not chosen authorities who utilize their immense power and political associations with coerce private advantages without regard to people in general.”
