From the State Journal Register

Judge considers releasing Ryan court document
1/4/2005
Judge considers releasing Ryan court document

By MIKE RAMSEY COPLEY NEWS SERVICE CHICAGO
- Attorneys for former Gov. George Ryan asked a federal judge Monday not to release a document that telegraphs the U.S. government's racketeering case against the retired politician, saying it could prejudice potential jurors. Prosecutors late last month filed a "proffer" under seal that previews evidence and witness testimony they would like to introduce at Ryan's trial, which is expected to begin March 14 in Chicago and last six months. Such filings are required in advance of a trial that alleges a criminal conspiracy. Ryan was indicted in late 2003 and charged with a string of corruption-related offenses, including mail fraud and lying to authorities, dating back to his 1991-1999 tenure as secretary of state and his 1999-2003 term as governor. He has pleaded innocent. Ryan attorney Brad Lerman told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer that the proffer, which he characterized as a " he defense's concerns about pretrial publicity, Pallmeyer said the jury-selection process will carefully screen potential panel members to come up with 16 to 18 impartial jurors, including alternates. "It isn't hopeless," she said. Ryan became the highest-profile defendant in the federal government's investigation into corruption at the secretary of state's office during his era. The probe began in 1998 by targeting lower-level employees who sold drivers' licenses for bribes, then moved upward. The core accusations against the 70-year-old Ryan contend the Kankakee Republican helped fix contracts and leases for cronies and concealed kickbacks and extra income for himself and family members. Prosecutors say Ryan also allowed Warner to steer contracts in the secretary of state's office and extort vendors. Fawell, who was convicted of racketeering charges and is serving a 61/2-year prison sentence, is cooperating with the feds and is expected to be a key witness in Ryan's trial. Also arguing for release of the proffer Monday was an attorney for the Chicago Tribune.