4 of Illinois’ last 7 governors went to prison
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Rod Blagojevich was convicted of numerous corruption charges in 2011, including allegations that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat. Associated Press file photo |
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George Ryan was convicted of racketeering and fraud charges in 2006. Associated Press file photo |
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Dan Walker admitted to bank fraud and other charges in 1987 related to his business activities after leaving office. Associated Press file photo |
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Otto Kerner resigned as governor in 1968 to become a judge, then was convicted of bribery related to his tenure as governor. File Photo |
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan will be leaving prison and heading to a halfway house after serving more than five years for corruption. His departure from prison follows a rich, if ignominious, history in Illinois of ex-governors arriving in and departing from prison.
Of Illinois' last seven governors, four have ended up going to prison. They are:
• Rod Blagojevich — Governor from 2002 through 2009, when he became the first Illinois governor in history to be impeached. Convicted of numerous corruption charges in 2011, including allegations that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.
• George Ryan — Governor from 1999 through 2003. After leaving office, was convicted of racketeering for actions as governor and secretary of state. In November 2007, began serving a 6 1/2 year sentence in federal prison.
• Dan Walker — Governor from 1973-1977. Pleaded guilty to bank fraud and other charges in 1987 related to his business activities after leaving office. Spent about a year and a half in federal prison.
• Otto Kerner — Governor from 1961-1968. Resigned to become judge, then was convicted of bribery related to his tenure as governor. Sentenced to three years in prison.
