Jail time, huge fine and how it all happened – NBC Chicago

Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, who served more than 50 years on the City Council as arguably the most powerful alderman in the city's history, has been sentenced to prison in connection with a federal corruption case.

Burke was also fined a significant amount and will receive supervised release at the end of his prison term, a judge ruled Monday.

Here's a look at what Burke was convicted of, what his sentence was, and when he'll report to federal prison.

What was Burke convicted of?

Burke was convicted in December of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion in connection with several incidents while he served on the Chicago City Council.

He was convicted of using his political influence to pressure people and businesses for personal gain, and was accused of steering businesses to his private law practice as part of these efforts.

These businesses included contractors working at the site of the old Chicago Post Office, as well as a Burger King in his neighborhood and the Field Museum in Chicago.

Burke was convicted of soliciting legal fees in exchange for approvals and TIF financing for a project to redevelop the Old Main Post Office, soliciting work for his private law firm in the part of the development of a Burger King in his city council district, and accepting a bribe to obtain TIF financing for a development project.

He was also found guilty of threatening to oppose the increase in admission fees to the Field Museum because the institution had not responded to a request he made regarding an internship for the child of a friend.

What was Burke sentenced to?

Burke was sentenced to two years in federal prison. He was also fined $2 million and will serve a year of supervised release after his release from prison.

What was the recommended sentence?

The value of the crimes was set at $215,877, which carries a recommended federal sentence of 6 ½ to 8 years. Prosecutors initially asked for a value of $829,525 and said the guidelines would have called for a sentence of 10 to 12 1/2 years in prison.

The judge in the case chose to impose a more lenient sentence, in part due to Burke's age and his philanthropic efforts, which were widely praised in letters received by the court during the sentencing phase of the pain of the affair.

What was Judge Kendall's intention with her decision?

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Kendall argued that his conviction was an attempt to send a message to other politicians not to engage in the same behaviors and to restore public trust once the deal is concluded.

She also said Burke had already suffered a “terrible fall” during the case and his sentence would reflect the belief he was unlikely to commit further crimes.

“He is no longer in office, he no longer practices law. It's a terrible fall,” she said. “No reason for me to think that Mr. Burke is going to commit another crime in his 81st year.”

Prosecutors argued that Burke had “taken no steps to accept any responsibility” and encouraged Kendall to send the message that corruption in the public sphere would not be tolerated.

Defense attorneys argued that Burke's age should play a role in sentencing, and said Burke's philanthropic and charitable efforts should as well.

When will Burke report to prison?

Authorities say Burke will have to report to prison to begin his sentence on September 23.