By AP/KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-507977.mp3
Chicago, Ill. – Former Governor George Ryan has been convicted of all counts after a five-month racketeering and fraud trial in federal court in Chicago.
A racketeering conspiracy charge included in the 22-count indictment against Ryan and a lobbyist friend carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The jury deliberated for ten days before revealing today that it had reached its decision, ending the state's biggest political corruption trial in decades.
Ryan made a statement to reporters afterwards, saying he would appeal: "I believe this decision today is not in accordance with the kind of public service that I have provided to the people of Illinois over 40 years, and needless to say, I am disappointed in the outcome."
The decision came on the jury's second attempt to reach a verdict. Two alternates were brought in after the judge dismissed two jurors eight days into the original deliberations.
Ryan was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, obstructing the Internal Revenue Service, tax fraud and lying to FBI agents.
Businessman Larry Warner was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, attempted extortion, illegally structuring bank withdrawals and money laundering.
To hear a report from Illinois Public Radio's Diantha Parker, click on the 'listen' icon above
To hear a report from NPRs David Schaper, as aired on NPRs Morning Edition, click here.