Perhaps on the advice of his Chicago criminal defense attorney, Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th Ward) pleaded guilty to charges of taking bribes and will spend 28 months in prison, according to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times. He pleaded guilty to a bribery and fraud scheme involving developer Calvin Boender.
The Chicago City Council member, a key ally to Mayor Daley, also submitted his resignation earlier this week. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Carothers is the 31st Chicago alderman convicted of crime since 1973.
His letter of resignation to the mayor made no mention of the corruption charges, but expressed gratitude for his "deeply appreciated expressions of support during this very difficult time."
Bribery and fraud charges were brought against Carothers for a scheme that allegedly also involved developer Calvin Boender. Carothers has agreed to testify againt Boender, who maintains his innocence and whose trial is scheduled to begin in March.
Carothers wore a wire and worked undercover for the Federal Bureau of Investigation beginning in early 2008, including a miniature video camera. Federal agents charged the former alderman of accepting $40,000 worth of gifts in exchange for "helping slip through zoning changes for Boender."
His cooperation with the FBI also helped in bringing up charges against Mr. Wafeek "Wally" Aiyash. Mr. Aiyash is accused of attempting to bribe Mr. Carothers with $100,000 in order to supply him with concessions contracts.
Boender, meanwhile, has been accused of grafting millions of dollars from the improper zoning changes.
But even though Carothers pleaded guilty, his Chicago criminal defense attorney continued to tell reporters that the gifts "did not cause him to do something he would not have otherwise done."
Related Resources:
- Bribery (FindLaw)
- Ex-N.Y. Judge Convicted of Shaking Down Attorney (FindLaw's Courtside Blog)
- Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon Steps Down from Office (FindLaw's Blotter Blog)
- Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
ShareThis
