Ed Burke Chicago's Longest Serving Alderman Reports to Jail For Racketeering, Bribery Conviction

Longest-serving Chicago alderman convicted of corruption starts two-year sentence in Thomson, Illinois

Ed Burke, Chicago's longest serving Alderman reports to the Federal Correctional Institution in Thomson, IllinoisPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO — Ed Burke, Chicago's longest-serving alderman, reported to federal prison on Monday to begin a two-year sentence for corruption. In addition to the prison term, Burke was fined $2 million after being convicted of using his political influence for personal gain through his law firm.

Burke, who held office for over 50 years, was convicted in June of racketeering, bribery, and extortion. Prosecutors argued that Burke used his position to pressure businesses into hiring his firm in exchange for assistance with permits and tax incentives. Among the most prominent cases was a scheme to force the owners of a Burger King franchise in his ward to employ his firm to secure construction permits for renovations.

The case against Burke was built on more than 100 secret recordings, provided by former alderman Daniel Solis, who cooperated with the FBI. These recordings captured discussions about several of Burke’s schemes, including attempts to influence developers working on the Old Post Office renovation.

In December, a federal jury convicted Burke on 13 of 14 charges. These included racketeering conspiracy, federal program bribery, attempted extortion, and using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity. Burke was accused of leveraging his political influence at City Hall to benefit his private property tax law firm, particularly between 2016 and 2018.

At his trial, prosecutors detailed how Burke exploited his position to assist developers in exchange for financial benefits. His involvement ranged from pushing for tax incentives for the Old Post Office project to helping a Binny's Beverage Depot secure approval for a pole sign. Burke also allegedly held up a fee increase for the Field Museum when his goddaughter was not considered for an internship.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall, who sentenced Burke, acknowledged the significance of his crimes. “There is no mitigation for the seriousness of these actions,” Kendall stated. “It’s an erosion of faith in public officials.” She emphasized that Burke’s actions represented a betrayal of the public’s trust, saying, “Citizens lose faith when elected officials exploit their office for personal gain.”

Morris Pasqual, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, echoed Kendall’s sentiments. “Corruption in the Chicago City Council tears at the fabric of local government. When an alderman fails to act with integrity, it betrays the citizens and public officials who serve honestly. Our office will continue to prosecute corruption and hold officials accountable.”

Despite the gravity of the charges, Judge Kendall noted the number of letters written in support of Burke. She stated that while Burke’s criminal actions were undeniable, they did not erase his good deeds over decades of service.

Monday afternoon, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that Burke is now in custody at the Federal Correctional Institution in Thomson, Illinois. Along with his prison term, Burke will serve one year of supervised release upon completing his sentence.

According to reports, the 80-year-old former alderman could be released in as little as 20 months with good behavior.