Ryan Trial Fix

By Amy Hart in News on Dec 23, 2005 2:20PM

The George Ryan trial is in recess until after the New Year, but let’s take a look at some of the most interesting recent developments so you can discuss them all with your family and friends over the holidays:

Dec. 13 – Ryan lawyer Dan Webb tells the jury that the prosecution got witnesses to lie on the stand. Lead prosecutor Patrick Collins gets angry at the accusation and tells the judge that the defense is “trying to smear us.”

Dec. 15 – Attorney Roger Kiley testifies that former Ryan Chief of Staff Scott Fawell forced him to hire Ryan’s friend, Arthur “Ron” Swanson, as a subcontractor when Kiley was chief lobbyist for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. Kiley says Swanson, a former state senator, served no real function.

Dec. 19—Executives for IBM and Viisage testify that lobbyist and Ryan co-defendant Larry Warner was key in the companies landing large state contracts, and that Warner did not want to register as a lobbyist. Cathy Adduci testifies that she and her husband, lobbyist Al Ronan, were unable to effectively lobby on behalf of Unisys and NBSI because Ryan told them they needed to partner with Warner.

Dec. 20 – Kevin Wright, a member of the Illinois Commerce Commission and former Ryan Deputy Chief of Staff, testifies he was ordered to give special treatment to Larry Warner. Wright goes on to say that he doesn’t believe Ryan ever took bribes, but he disagreed with the regular access Ryan granted Ron Swanson and Warner.

Dec. 21 – Former Ryan aide Matthew Bettenhausen testifies Ryan gave Ron Swanson confidential information regarding the selection of the southern Illinois town of Grayville as a site for a new state prison. Prosecutors say Swanson then took lobbying fees from Grayville after hew knew it would be selected.

Dec. 22 – Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer expresses concern that jurors might discuss the case over the holiday break.

So the jurors can’t discuss the case, but you sure can! Happy Holidays!