Ex-Gov. Ryan to seek 2nd appeal

The legal team for former Gov. George Ryan pledged this afternoon to seek another appeal after a federal appellate court this morning affirmed his sweeping fraud and corruption convictions.

In a crushing legal blow to the former governor, a three-judge panel from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled 2-1 today that Ryan received a fair trial last year despite a series of juror controversies.

In earlier allowing the former governor to remain free pending the appeal, the court had warned that Ryan and co-defendant Lawrence Warner would have to report to prison within 72 hours if—as happened today—they lost their appeal. Ryan faces a 6.5-year sentence in prison.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/c...