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George Ryan, Ex-Illinois Governor, Found Guilty of Corruption

April 17 (Bloomberg) -- Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for commuting the state's death sentences, was convicted today of charges that he took cash, gifts and trips in exchange for state contracts.

Ryan, 72, was found guilty on all 18 charges against him by a federal court jury in Chicago. Larry Warner, 67, a lobbyist and friend of Ryan, was convicted in the same trial on 12 charges.

Ryan, a Republican from Kankakee, Illinois, was the highest- ranking official targeted in an investigation that resulted in charges against 79 state workers and lobbyists, and convictions of 73. Two defendants are fugitives, and one case is pending.

Ryan faces a maximum of 95 years in prison and $4.5 million in fines on the charges of racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud, false statements and tax fraud.