Alderman Burke back home on bond, denies wrongdoing
01/04/2019 4:51 am PST
via WGN:
CHICAGO -- (WGN) -- One of the most powerful and longest-serving City Council members in Chicago history is back home after appearing in federal court Thursday on a charge that he tried to shake down a major fast-food restaurant chain seeking city remodeling permits.
Burke was charged with one count of attempted extortion for conveying to company executives at a group of Burger Kings in 2017 that they'd get the permits if they signed on as clients at Burke's private property-tax law firm in Chicago, the 37-page complaint said.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Burke's attorney requested a preliminary hearing for Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.
FULL STORY: Alderman Burke back home on bond, denies wrongdoing - WGN
