Ed Burke, Chicago’s longest-serving alderman, to report to prison
CHICAGO — Chicago’s longest-serving alderman is expected to head to federal prison on Monday.
Former Ald. Ed Burke faces a two-year sentence on top of a $2 million fine. He was convicted of corruption last year for using his position to benefit his law firm.
Alongside his prison sentence, Burke will also face one year of supervised release.
Prosecutors alleged Burke tried to pressure the owners of a Burger King in his ward to hire his firm in exchange for construction permits that they needed to renovate the restaurant.
Prosecutors claimed Burke also shook down developers renovating the Old Post Office.
At the center of the government’s case were more than 100 secret recordings captured by ex-alderman turned FBI mole Daniel Solis discussing the schemes.
His attorneys have requested he be allowed to serve at a minimum security prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Politico reports, the 80-year-old could be out in 20 months with good behavior.