A Democratic politician whom the Chicago Tribune regarded as “arguably the most powerful politician in Chicago for decades” was convicted of corruption but got a light sentence from the judge.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall sentenced former Chicago Alderman Edward Burke to two years in federal prison, roughly one-fifth of what prosecutors recommended and far less than the 6.5 years recommended by federal guidelines. He was also fined $2 million. Burke, who is reputedly worth $30 million, was convicted on 13 of 14 counts of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion.
“Prosecutors argued the actual cost of the crimes Burke was convicted of was $829,525,” WTTW reported.
Burke, who is 80 years old, “surely won’t be incarcerated for close to the two years he got Monday for getting caught red-handed shaking down businesses needing city permits and…
