Ald. Willie Cochran pleads guilty to wire fraud in corruption case

Ald. Willie Cochran pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of wire fraud for spending money from a ward fund meant for charity on personal expenses.

He could face up to 18 months in prison as part of his plea deal with prosecutors. He is set to be sentenced June 20, and his guilty plea ended his tenure as alderman.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped charges he took bribes from businessmen in his ward. In a statement after his guilty plea, Cochran said he was "happy" prosecutors made that decision and remained steadfast that he took no bribes. He left the courthouse without further comment.

In court, Cochran admitted that after a donor gave $2,000 to his ward's charitable account, he withdrew $489 to gamble with at a casino.

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