Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan Indicted

Last month, former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was honored at the State Capitol for his four years as governor. His official portrait was unveiled in a ceremony attended by both Democrats and Republicans.

Today Mr. Ryan was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of racketeering, mail and tax fraud, and other corruption that allegedly occurred while he was in office. Ryan's indictment is part of an ongoing criminal investigation called Operation Safe Road which has charged 66 and convicted 59 for corruption.

Wednesday's indictment alleges Mr. Ryan took illegal cash payments and gifts, vacations and personal services, and that his family received cash, loans and gifts worth about $167,000. The charges also allege Mr. Ryan funneled more than $300,000 in payments to Donald Udstuen, an associate and co-defendant in the Operation Safe Road investigation.

[ ... ]

"These transactions were allegedly concealed and disguised to prevent public exposure and possible criminal prosecution," according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The indictment also alleges Mr. Ryan "repeatedly lied to federal agents about facts material to the investigation."

As I recall, Gov. Ryan stopped all executions of death row inmates when he was in office. Hopefully, that action built up some goodwill for him among the prison population. It looks like he'll need it. His former top aide, Scott Fawell, in June was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for racketeering and fraud.