Sep 5, 2006 10:47 pm US/Central
Ryan May Speak At Sentencing Wednesday
Questions Remain As To Possible Statement, Effect On Appeal
by Jay Levine
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan
AP
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Convicted in April of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, tax fraud and lying to FBI agents, former Illinois Gov.
George Ryan is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday and could face several years behind bars.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports that the night before the sentencing, questions remained as to what, if anything, Ryan would say at the sentencing, and the impact any statement might have on his appeal.
"I'll bet you they don't even know right now," said
Rob Warden, director of
Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Convictions. "I'll bet they go right down to the wire… weighing this and deciding whether they will [speak] or not."
To Northwestern's wrongful convictions unit, Ryan's death penalty moratorium made him a hero. Warden spoke with the former governor several times this weekend. If Ryan does make a statement, Warden has a pretty good idea of what he'll say.
"I'm quite sure he can express remorse for errors in judgment, but I don't think he'd entertain for a second the admission he committed a crime," Warden said.
Ryan still maintains his innocence, and some observers say remorse could be a double-edged sword.
"He could do himself good in one respect and hurt himself in another respect," said CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller.
Some believe
Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer might reduce Ryan's sentence if he admitted guilt, but such an admission could also be used against him if his appeal was successful.
Many believe Ryan is facing at least as much prison time as former aide Scott Fawell, who got six and a half years following his conviction.
But the popular radio talk show host
Cliff Kelley, who 20 years ago served nine months after a federal conviction for taking bribes that he still claims were campaign contributions, says Ryan is too old, too sick, and did too many good things to warrant a stiff sentence.
Their request for sentence should be in keeping w what really happened, and in this instance eight to ten years is a death sentence," Kelley said. "I don't think that's right."
The key question which may or may not be decided tomorrow is whether Ryan will be allowed to remain free on bond while he appeals the conviction.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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