Fraud Trial Begins

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 4, 2009 3:40PM

The trial of Alfred Sanchez, former commissioner of streets and sanitation, has begun. Sanchez has been charged with fraud in connection with the Hired Truck scandal. Also on trial is Sanchez's aide, Aaron Del Valle. Jury selection should wrap up and opening statements are expected to be issued today. At the time of Sanchez's indictment, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office issued a statement detailing the charges [via Capitol Fax].

The retired commissioner, Alfred Sanchez, a principal organizer for HDO, was charged with engaging in a systematic fraud scheme to provide city jobs, promotions and other employment benefits to induce and reward political campaign work. The second defendant, Aaron Del Valle, who assisted Sanchez in coordinating HDO activities and who received immunity from prosecution relating to this investigation, was charged with perjury for allegedly lying to the federal grand jury about his HDO activities.

Sanchez, 59, of Chicago, was charged with nine counts of mail fraud, and Delvalle, 34, of Chicago, was charged with one count of perjury in a 10-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury.