Democrat Ed Burke was a Chicago City Council member for 54 years and holds the record for the longest-tenured councilmember in the city’s history.
Now, he’s been sentenced to two years in prison to cap his long Chicago political career.
Burke was found guilty of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. More specifically, he was convicted of pressuring developers to use his law firm for suits related to property taxes. In exchange, he would give his blessing to the developers’ projects.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendal gave Burke just two years in prison, a significantly lighter sentence than the eight years recommended by the prosecution. Plus, Burke may be released early on good behavior.
U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said in court that Burke had “abused his power and exploited his office for private gain, again and again and again and again and again, over a period of years.”
Burke, 80, was an alderman for 54 years until he left office a year ago and a giant in local Democratic politics. As the longtime chairman of the Finance Committee, he had unrivaled authority at the council over certain city affairs.
In court, Burke expressed regret for the “pain and the sorrow that I have caused my family and my dear friends.” He had denied wrongdoing when charged in 2019.
Burke’s lawyers argued that his 50 years of public service should count for something when deciding his punishment.
The judge expressed her amazement at all the letters in support of Burke as Democrats lined up in support, including one from a former federal prosecutor named Dan Webb.
“I have never in all my career seen the letters I have received for Mr. Burke,” she said.
Besides going to prison, Burke also has to pay $2 million. He was first elected to the City Council in 1969, and his legacy seemed secure until this scandal. He left office only a year ago.
His wife, Anne, is a former judge on the Illinois Supreme Court, separate from the federal court dealing with case.