Ald. Willie Cochran Faces Charges Of Using Charity Fund To Pay Gambling Expenses, Daughter's Tuition

By aaroncynic in News on Dec 14, 2016 6:14PM

Willie Cochran, handout photo.

Alderman Willie Cochran was indicted on federal criminal charges Wednesday morning, the Chicago Tribune reports.

According to a press release from the Northern District of Illinois State’s Attorney, Cochran faces eleven counts of wire fraud, two counts of extortion and two counts of bribery. The indictment alleges the alderman used money from his 20th Ward Activities fund to finance gambling expenses purchase items for his home and pay for his daughter’s college tuition. Cochran is also charged with extorting money from a liquor store owner and a lawyer for aldermanic support.

“When an elected official uses public power for personal gain, the average citizen pays and our democratic system suffers,” said U.S. Attorney Fardon. “We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute any elected official who attempts to use their office to enrich themselves.”

Cochran was allegedly the sole signatory on the Activities fund, which was supposedly a charitable fund, but the indictment alleges he instead used it for himself. The total penalties in the 15 count indictment add up to 280 years in prison.

The indictment comes two months after a Tribune report revealed the FBI launched a probe investigating the alderman for potential misuse of campaign funds. Amended campaign finance reports showed that Cochran paid himself more than $115,000 over three years, however didn’t disclose that information immediately, instead making multiple revisions.

News of the indictment broke as the South Side alderman was attending the last Chicago City Council meeting of the year. WLS’s Bill Cameron even tweeted a photo of alderman Ed Burke walking an iPad over to Cochran, suggesting that he might’ve found out while as the council was in session.

Just prior to the report of the FBI probe, Mark Brown at the Sun-Times reported Cochran’s original balance for the second quarter of 2015 showed a balance of $174,600, only to later be amended to -$4,075. In total, Cochran made 70 revisions to his books from January 2015 through July 2016.

Cochran was elected in 2007, replacing Ald. Arenda Troutman, who was arrested by the FBI on bribery charges.

Update, 3:50 p.m.:
Despite the indictment, Cochran said he does not intend to leave his seat at the City Council, according to the Sun-Times. “Yes, I will remain," he reportedly told the paper via text message. "You resign when you are guilty. Indictments are not guilty pleas. I’m confident these allegations will be resolved."

As to why he was in attendance at the Council meeting on the day his indictment was announced, Cochran reportedly said, "I was elected to be there and represent the ward as I have been. I didn’t hesitate to go to Council. I’m surprised [anyone] would think I shouldn’t be there."