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Former Gov. George Ryan Sentenced To 6 1/2 Years

Governor Was Convicted Of Corruption Last April

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CHICAGO (CBS) ― Former Gov. George Ryan was sentenced Wednesday to 78 months, or 6 1/2 years, in prison on charges of corruption when he was secretary of state.

Ryan and co-defendant Larry Warner were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, tax fraud and lying to FBI agents.

In addition to his prison sentence, Ryan was ordered to pay $603,048 in restitution. Warner was sentenced to 41 months, or just over three years, in prison at a sentencing hearing held shortly after the former governor's.

"George Ryan is now facing a prison sentence in which he may never again be with his family as a free man," Ryan's attorney Dan Webb said. "Obviously I'm very disappointed."

Ryan was convicted in April of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, tax fraud and lying to FBI agents.

Another former Illinois governor, Jim Thompson, sat alongside the former first lady of Illinois Lura Lynn Ryan as George Ryan told the jury he was proud of his accomplishments, especially the reform of the criminal justice system.

However, Ryan also apologized for letting down the residents of Illinois. He noted failures which he felt "regret and personal shame about."

"People of this state expected better, and I let them down," Ryan said in a statement delivered to the courtroom.

Ryan said it was "the saddest day of his life," and thanked the attorneys who had given him pro bono legal assistance.

He added, "A long sentence today for a man of my age and my health is tantamount to a death sentence."

Lead prosecutor Patrick Collins said he felt sympathy for Ryan, but was disappointed that the former governor did not offer a fuller apology.

"I was hoping for leniency as a person and hoping the judge was going to provide some mercy to Governor Ryan… based on a heartfelt apology," he said. "I don't think that... I didn't hear it."

CBS 2's Mike Parker said the look on Ryan's face when the sentence was announced was one of "absolute and utter disbelief. He looked as if he had been smashed in the knees with a shovel."

Ryan is required to serve a minimum 85 percent of his sentence. He will report to prison in January 2007.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer declared that the sentencing gave her no pleasure, but added that the real harm from public corruption is the damage it causes to the public trust.

In preparing to hand down her sentence, Pallmeyer also listened to arguments from federal prosecutors and Ryan's defense attorneys.

Among other things, prosecutors presented evidence that as secretary of state and later governor Ryan steered big-money contracts to Warner and other insiders and used taxpayer dollars for political campaign purposes.

Evidence showed that Ryan dismantled the inspector general's department in the secretary of state's office -- possibly to cover up evidence tying campaign fundraising to the sale of truck drivers licenses.

The Rev. Scott Willis, whose six children died in a fiery expressway tragedy later linked to the licenses for bribes scandal, had asked to speak at Ryan's sentencing hearing. Judge Pallmeyer denied the request, but did accept a written submission. Scott Willis and his wife, Janet, were present at the hearing.

The prosecution had hoped the Willis deaths would be an aggravating factor in Ryan's sentencing, but Judge Pallmeyer said while the deaths were tragic, they cannot be used to enhance Ryan's sentence for his convictions on racketeering conspiracy and other charges.

Prosecutors also said Ryan should receive the heavy side of eight to 10 years in prison because Scott Fawell, the former governor's campaign manager and chief of staff, is serving 6 1/2 years in prison, and prosecutors have said anything less for Ryan would not be fair.

But defense attorneys for Ryan had asked for a lighter sentence because of the governor's age and health problems, including Crohn's disease. They also said his work over the years should be considered, and have been arguing for a shorter sentence.

But CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller said, "This judge wants to deter other public servants from doing the same thing, and that's going to be the main thrust in asking for eight to 10 years despite his health and age."

Ryan's attorneys have asked Judge Pallmeyer to consider allowing an appeal bond, under which the former governor could stay out of prison pending an appeal. Miller said the appeal bond will not be discussed until a future date.

Attorney Dan Webb said Ryan's appeal would be based on jury irregularities.

"The excusal of jurors after the jury deliberations are into their eighth day is something that has never happened before anywhere in the country, and that is why I think it's a substantial issue that I'm hopeful it will lead to a reversal on appeal," Webb said.

Members of the former governor's family left without comment after consoling Ryan and his wife Lura lynn in the courtroom.

Ryan himself was able to avoid reporters; allowed to leave through an exit usually off limits to anyone but judges.

Ryan's surrender date is Jan. 4, so he will be able to spend the Christmas holiday with his family. His attorneys asked if he could serve his sentence at Oxford Federal Prison in Wisconsin, and the judge said she was amenable to that option.

(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)