Clout a factor in Daley nephew’s case

On Jan. 31, Richard J. Vanecko, nephew of the former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter of David Koschman 10 years ago. This plea deal conveniently comes less than a month before Vanecko would have been tried in court and 10 years after Koschman’s death.

Politically connected Dan Webb was appointed as the special prosecutor in 2012. The appointment was made after questions of special treatment for Vanecko arose about the initial and later investigations and the conduct of police and prosecutors due to Vanecko’s clout. Those who were present when the altercation occurred, many of whom were Vanecko’s relatives, were given immunity and none of the police or investigators will face charges. Vanecko will serve 30 months of probation for the Class 2 felony, spend 60 days in jail, 60 days of home confinement, and pay $20,000 to the Koschman family.

Now, let me see. Richard Vanecko has been free to live his life as he wished for the past 10 years. David Koschman has been dead for those 10 years with no one held accountable until now if you consider dollars and 120 days of inconvenience for Vanecko being “held accountable.” Clout is still clout and alive and well in Chicago.

Karen Goettsche

Inverness