Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke convicted on 13 of 14 counts at landmark federal corruption trial; jury convicts one codefendant and acquits the other
CHICAGO — Former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke was convicted by a federal jury Thursday of racketeering conspiracy and a dozen other counts for using the clout of his elected office to win private law business from developers.
The guilty verdict on the marquee charge of the indictment capped a stunning fall for Burke, the former head of the city Finance Committee and Democratic political machine master who served a record 54 years in the City Council before stepping down in May.
The jury deliberated for about 23 hours over four days before reaching its verdict in the 19-count indictment.
In addition to racketeering, Burke was also convicted of federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.
He was acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit extortion related to the redevelopment of a Burger King.
The racketeering charge alone carries up to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall set sentencing for June 17.
Before the verdict was read in Kendall’s packed 25th Floor courtroom, Burke arrived with his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, and other family members, turning to smile at spectators in the gallery before taking a seat at the defense table.
As the courtroom waited for the jury to come out, Burke, dressed in a black
