Ex-official free while fraud conviction appealed

SPRINGFIELD -- A federal judge is allowing a former Illinois secretary of state official to remain free on bond while he appeals his 2006 wire fraud conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cecil Turner was accused of helping three janitors pocket more than $150,000 in state pay for work they didn't do. Turner oversaw maintenance and janitorial services in state offices, including the Capitol building.

The 62-year-old Turner was ordered to report to federal prison on Tuesday to complete the 30-month sentence after the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rejected his request for a reversal or a new trial.

Defense attorney Christopher Combest said he plans to petition the Supreme Court before April 28.

Turner's appeal questions whether a direct deposit of a paycheck meets the requirements for a wire fraud conviction.