Where are they now? Key players in the Ryan scandal
As former Gov. George Ryan begins his prison sentence, here's a look at key figures in the scandal that toppled him.
Larry Warner - Frequent Ryan dining companion ended up being co-defendant in his corruption trial. Warner, a former lobbyist, was convicted of collecting millions for manipulating state leases and contracts in Ryan's office. He received more than three years in prison.
Scott Fawell - Former top aide and campaign manager to Ryan. Convicted of racketeering for using state employees and taxpayer dollars for Ryan's political gain. Turned on Ryan and testified against him to help get reduced sentence for his lover. Fawell is serving a 6½-year sentence at the federal prison in South Dakota. He's scheduled to be released in March 2009.
Alexandra Coutretsis - Fawell's executive assistant and lover, also known by her former married name Andrea Prokos. She pleaded guilty to lying about how Fawell used a "favors list" to further Ryan's political agenda. Sentenced to four months in prison beginning in November 2006.
Dean Bauer - Longtime Ryan pal and former inspector general in Ryan's secretary of state's office. Accused of covering up seven years of scandal, including the bribes paid to get driver's licenses. Pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and served one year in a federal prison camp in Terre Haute, Ind.
Roger Stanley - Former state lawmaker turned direct-mail consultant, pleaded guilty to making payoffs to get $4 million in contracts with Metra. Received a 27-month prison sentence in 2003. Released in August 2005.
Arthur "Ron" Swanson - Ryan friend and former lawmaker pleaded guilty to perjury for lying to a grand jury. Avoided prison. Was sentenced last year to eight months home confinement and two years probation.
Mary Ann Mastrodomenico - The manager of the Melrose Park driver's license office was among the first arrested and convicted in the federal investigation. She admitted to selling more than $50,000 in Ryan campaign fundraising tickets. Sentenced to five months in prison back in 1999, the same year Ryan took over the governor's office, she served her time and was released later that year.
Willis Family - The Rev. Duane "Scott" Willis and his wife, Janet, lost six children in the fiery interstate crash back in 1994 that led to the investigation of Ryan's fundraising. They received a $100 million legal settlement that funds a family foundation and now live near Nashville.
Ricardo Guzman - Among the many drivers who got trucking licenses via bribes. It was a piece of the trailer he was hauling that fell off and punctured the Willis family van's gas tank. He never was charged in the probe.
Tammy Raynor - Worked in the secretary of state's office under Ryan and blew the whistle on some of the activities. Currently works for Secretary of State Jesse White.
Glenn Poshard - The Democratic nominee who narrowly lost the 1998 governor's race to Ryan and tried to make corruption a campaign issue. He's now president of Southern Illinois University.
Sources: staff, news service reports