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Burke accused of trying to extort Burger King

Chicago Alderman Edward M. Burke tried to leverage Burger King executives to give his law firm business to clear the way for a remodeling project at one of their fast-food restaurants in his ward, federal prosecutors alleged in a complaint made public Thursday.

The charges revolve around the Burger King location at 4060 S. Pulaski, the Sun-Times has confirmed. That location was thrust into the headlines after Laquan McDonald was fatally shot nearby 16 times by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014.

The company sought support from Burke for the remodeling project, and he aggressively tried to land Burger King as a client for his firm to do property tax work, prosecutors allege.

Burke, 75, had no immediate comment on the 37-page criminal complaint as he left his lawyers' office Thursday afternoon. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

• For the complete story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.

Federal agents showed up unannounced Nov. 29 at the Chicago City Hall office of Alderman Ed Burke, kicked everyone out and papered over the windows. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
Federal agents leave Chicago Alderman Ed Burke's ward office on the South Side after a raid Nov. 29. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
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