BREAKING: Top Chicago Democrat Convicted on 13 Corruption Charges

Edward Burke, a former alderman and a prominent figure in Chicago’s Democratic politics, was found guilty of 13 federal corruption charges after a six-week trial. Burke, who served on the Chicago City Council for 54 years, faced charges including racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion.

His conviction is seen as a major setback for the Democratic establishment in Chicago, where Burke was a symbol of power and influence. He was found guilty of 13 out of 14 charges. The case against Burke involved corrupt transactions where he used his position for bribes and kickbacks, indicative of a broader culture of corruption in Chicago’s city council.

Burke’s stature in politics makes his conviction even more impactful. Known as a political strategist and influencer, he was often regarded as a kingmaker in the city. His trial exposed the corrupt underbelly of Chicago politics, showing a system rife with unethical practices by public officials.

WATCH:

My trusty list of Chicago aldermen charged with crimes since 1972 needs a bit of updating tonight, as Ed Burke slips over into the “convicted” category, which now stands at 39.
Yes, that’s thirty-nine. 11 shy of a full City Council’s worth. pic.twitter.com/WnWSXAdLNO

— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) December 22, 2023

Burke tried to extort money from the Field Museum, aiming to benefit a close family friend. In a separate incident, he targeted the owners of a Burger King located in his 14th Ward. His objective was to coerce them into directing tax appeal business to his private law practice. However, the core of the prosecution’s case revolved around the Old Post Office.

Burke was convicted of misusing his public office to coerce the developers of the Old Post Office into hiring his law firm. Danny Solis, a former alderman who turned informant for the government, secretly recorded Burke on multiple occasions as he discussed this scheme.

“Burke has his hand out for money. He tied the giving of official action by him to the giving of money in 3 different corrupt episodes,” US Attorney Morris Pasqual said.

As the verdict was announced, Burke rested his chin on his hands, which were folded together according to ABC7 Chicago. Behind him, his family, including his wife Anne, their two daughters, and other relatives, sat with their heads bowed. As each juror confirmed their decision, Burke responded with a slow nod, his face etched with a profound frown.

“With this jury’s verdict, Ed Burke should rightfully be remembered as a man who elevated personal ambition and greed over doing the people’s work,” former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement.

“Along the way, Burke has had many, many enablers: the pernicious practice of aldermanic prerogative which, despite efforts to eliminate it, persists to this day, especially in zoning and development decisions. The other elected officials who, over the years, looked the other way as Burke systematically monetized the Finance Committee for his own personal benefit. And the party who gave Burke control over judicial nominations, so that decades of jurists became beholden to him.”

“But like many before who feasted on their gluttonous power, Burke was felled because this total lack of accountability made him foolishly think he was invincible. So he grossly overplayed his hand. He dug his own grave and jumped in.

She finished, “Only time will tell if the lessons of Ed Burke’s ascent and spectacular fall will lead to desperately needed reforms begun, but not nearly finished, around transparency and accountability. But meanwhile, with this verdict, rendered by a jury of his peers, the tyranny of Ed Burke is over. I like to think somewhere, Harold is smiling.”