Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson convicted in tax fraud trial, will be forced to resign
CHICAGO — Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson was convicted by a federal jury Monday of filing false tax returns and lying to federal regulators about a line of credit he had with a failed Bridgeport bank.
After a weeklong trial, the jury deliberated about 4 1/2 hours before finding Thompson guilty of two counts of making false statements with the intent of influencing debt collection efforts and five counts of filing tax returns that falsely claimed mortgage-interest deductions.
Thompson, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, sat quietly at the defense table as he waited for the jury to enter the courtroom, appearing to rub his right temple with his hand. He stood when the verdict was announced, keeping his hands folded in front of him and showing no outward reaction.
In the overflow room next door, several members of Thompson’s family wept at the verdict, some standing and holding hands. In the hallway outside the courtroom, the alderman’s daughter could be heard crying as she hugged a supporter.
The counts of lying carry up to 30 years in prison, while the tax charges each carry a maximum of three years behind bars. Thompson could also be eligible for probation.
Under state law, Thompson must immediately resign his seat in the City Council due to the conviction on felony
