Judge Silences Scott Willis
Whenever someone is convicted, it is standard policy for letters of “gee, he’s the closest thing to an angel that I know” letters to be submitted for the judge’s consideration before sentencing.
You can bet former Governor George Ryan has plenty of them. I could even have written on based on this second-hand story of his personal concern for the health of one his addicted legislative employees.
Although most judges don’t release the letters, my guess is that the letters in support of the convicted far outnumber those who think he deserved the sentence.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office made public the Rev. Scott Willis’ desired to make an oral statement during the sentencing phase of the trial next week.
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office released this copy of Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer denied Willis’ request, saying that he could file a written statement. (Click to enlarge the image.)
During Ryan’s trial, I noticed a couple of other “leaning over backwards” in Ryan’s favor.
Besides prohibiting mention of the tragic Milwaukee accident where a truck driver with a license received because of a bribe led to many children's deaths, another stuck in my head. It was Pallmeyer’s prohibiting evidence of how Roger Stanley's and Ted Lechowicz’ pension bases were increased substantially through short-term Secretary of State jobs which paid much more than their final legislative salaries.
Most blogs will be shut down this weekend, but not McHenry County Blog. You can read why the U.S. Attorney's Office wants Ryan to serve 8-10 years right now.
3 comments:
I hope when you remember a guilty person like George Ryan, please remember everything he did with Mayor Daley to make this a great country. Pass the bowl man. D.W.
George Ryan is being sent to jail because of Petey Fitzgerald's panties getting twisted over the Lincoln Library and went shopping for a gunfighter to gut-shoot 'The Combine'. Everyone who was ever mean to Banker Pete.
Everything but Global Warmng was tossed into the charges.
I hope that the judge gives Gov. Ryan a suspended sentence.
It's too bad they feel that George must be made an "example" of, to score points & "secure" a conviction to rack up the score. I only hope that our current "Governor" will receive the same level of zealous prosecution when the time comes, he with his blatent "hands on" corruption that has been ever present since the day he was sworn in along with his "cronies". They aren't even subtle about it.
George Ryan is fundementally a good man, has genuine concern for his family, friends & allies. I'm sure he's not "without sin" & errored in judgement, delegating too much & his trust of others. If there really is a "wrong" here it's the way those whom he trusted & conveyed authority in...let him down, abused their rights & authority, destroyed the integrity of someone who devoted a very large portion of his life to public service from the local county board to the mansion ; in ways I'm sure only manefested themselves during the trial. George was in many cases left holding the bag. People working for him seeking favor or "feathering" their own nests at Georges' expense.
Pallmeyer handled this case inappropriately ,out of her league & turned it into a mockery, an orchestrated "event" & charges stemming from the actions, silent secretive actions, of others & made George ultimately totally responsible. If the "underlings" received moderate or minimum sentences then George should rec'v a suspended sentence at the least. I'm sure the good George has done over the years will remembered as a public official, friend or comrade & perhaps only by those he helped or touched individually & quietly...I being one of them. The man has been through quite enough, his health is suffering & the emotional strain of the trial & his professional & private life handed to him in schambles. I hope there will be a mercy extended to George & that they, he & his family, can survive & move on with the remainder of their lives.
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